First White Woman in Tower

Walked from Duluth

Walking for four days from Duluth, Mrs. Bystrom braved the journey on foot to join her husband and arrived in Tower to find only two houses in the town. Despite the difficult circumstances, she persevered and settled in the area with her husband Erik, who worked as a carpenter for the Minnesota Iron Company.

Relatives recall hearing accounts of her trip.  Upon her arrival in Tower, she found she had lost a shoe from an extra pair which she was carrying with her.  The loss was serious at that time.  However, it turns out a member of the next party coming along the trail found her shoe and returned it to her upon arrival in Tower.

Mrs. Bystrom was a native of Sweden, coming to the United States in 1879. After settling in Tower to build a new life, she and Erik had a son, Albert, who was reported as the first white child born in Tower. Over time, other members of the Bystrom family joined them in Tower, including Erik’s brother, whose son Glenn was a Tower resident. They persevered and helped to build a thriving community that still thrives today.

Mrs. Bystrom’s story is a reminder of the hardships faced by early pioneers, but also of their determination and resilience. Despite living a strenuous pioneer life, she remained hale and hearty and lived in Tower for 39 years before passing away in 1923. She is buried in the Lakeview Cemetery.

Overall, the story of Mrs. Bystrom is an important part of the history of the Iron Range and a tribute to the many indigenous and non-indigenous women who helped to shape the region over the centuries.

Sources:

Vermilion Iron Journal Commemorative Issue, July 26, 1984 City of Tower Lakeview Cemetery Records