August 13, 1890: Duluth disparager Proctor Knott visits the city he defamed

On this day in Duluth in 1890, former Kentucky lawmaker Proctor Knott arrived in Duluth, the city he once mocked on the floor of congress in a legendary speech remembered as one of the funniest American history (you can read it all here). Knott was traveling with Beriah Magoffin III, who was investing in property near Duluth that would emerge as the town of Proctor Knott, later renamed simply Proctor. Knott’s visit included a Tallyho party along the Boulevard—today’s Skyline Parkway—and a sailing tour of the harbor. A banquet was held in Knott’s honor at the Spalding Hotel on August 14, and the News Tribune called it “the greatest social event…of the season.” Knott gave a speech lavishing praise upon Duluth. It read in part: “When the time was ripe for the gigantic birth, Duluth sprang from its granite bed, a young Titan, full panoplied for the grandest commercial contest of the ages. In less than a single decade its population has been multiplied more than eleven fold, its banking capital has grown from fifty thousand to more than three million dollars, its taxable valuation has increased from a little over six hundred thousand to twenty-three millions, its commerce has reached almost fabulous proportions, and its multitude of magnificent public and private buildings have reared their splendid fronts along the sterile and rock-bound shores, as if called into being under the potent spell of some mighty enchanter. Yet, as I have said, there has been no magic in all this, the only genii that have been employed in this wondrous transformation are sagacity, energy, and courage.” Read the rest of that speech here.

J. Proctor Knott. (Image: Public Domain)