p. 865

[Typewritten page: Beloit].

There is not a more flourishing town in the valley of the Rock river, at least within the limits of Wisconsin, than Beloit. Its situation is near the southern border of the territory, on the eastern bank of the river, at the mouth of the Turtle, and but a short distance above the junction f the Pekatonica with the Rock. Its advantages are a delightful and healthy location; its contiguity to a fine agricultural region the settlement and improvement of which are rapidly progressing; the possession and profitable use of a fine water power on the Turtle; and last, though not least, the intelligent, enterprising, moreal, and religious character of its inhabitants.

The present population of Beloit cannot be less than 800.

A large flouring mill, with three run of stone, is now in operation here; also, a saw-mill and wool carding machine. A second flouring mill, the material of stone, is in progress of erection. The water power is great; and may be extensively applied to the driving of machinery.

Upon the improvement of the navigation of the Pekatonica river, whic has its course through the richest mineral districts of the territory, great quantities of lead will doubtless be transported upon this stream to Beloit, which would be the most advantageous depot, from its situation near the mouth of the river, and from the facility with which the article could be sent thence to the lake border for easten shipment. Notwithstanding the difficulty usually attendent upon the navigation of the Pekatonica at present, lead to some extent has this season been transported upon it from the vicinity of Mineral Point to Belot, and from thence taken to Southport.

The distance from Beloit to the nearest commercial point upon the lake, Southport, is about 60 miles.