Jean (Joseph) N. Nicollet Visiting Trading Post at Mouth of Crow Wing River in 1836

Jean (Joseph) N. Nicollet Visiting Trading Post at Mouth of Crow Wing River in 1836 by Sarah Thorp Heald in 1936. Crow Wing County Courthouse. Oil on Canvas. 

This painting's significance is explained by its long title, yet many questions still go unanswered. Who are the eleven unnamed people in this painting? Who does this trading post belong to? We will start with what we know. Jean Nicollet is second from the left, in a blue uniform, with his hand outstretched. We know that this is true because he stands out, and is a visitor, judging by the open door and proximity to the entrance. The man behind him would likely be a part of his party and I agree with Don Wedll in his document analyzing the painting that this is likely Francis Brunia, who was Nicollet's guide and geographer. Next in line is the older gentleman in the green suit. I think that this may be William Morrison, an early Crow Wing County settler. Next to him, in a black suit, would be his brother, Allan Morrison and I theorize that this trading post is his. Here he seems to be introducing Nicollet to Clement Beaulieu, who also owned a trading post. Behind Beaulieu, I believe that this woman is Charlotte Charbouillier, Allan Morrison's wife. Next is a Native American man, woman, and small child. I agree with Wedll that this is likely Chagobay and his family. Nicollet writes in his journal that Chagobay and his ten-year-old son came on the expedition, but there was no mention of his wife. Still, women were sometimes ignored in historical documents, so it could be possible that she came along for some leg of the trip. Next, the priest would be Father Pierz. Even though he likely wasn't in Crow Wing in 1837, he was a very notable figure in the area and this painting does match his likeness. One figure in the painting looks away from the viewer. This is the man to the right, who stands against the stove. He wears a tartan green jacket and has white hair and a beard. Wedll theorizes that this may be a depiction of Heald's father, Freeman Thorp. Thorp, even though he was not there in 1837, but this is not glaringly apparent because his face is obscured. Heald may have depicted him in this painting as a dedication. Heald and her father were very close and he was likely the one who taught her how to paint.

I theorize that this scene depicts Allan Morrison's trading post because of the presence of his brother, William, and his wife, Charlotte. I also believe that Heald would know the history because of her extensive writing about both Morrison and Beaulieu in her History of Old Crow Wing.