In the summer of 1823, President James Monroe gave orders to Maj. Stephen Long to explore the lands surrounding the Red River Valley and make some maps.This was not an uncommon request in the early days of the United States. At the same time Long was about to undertake his map-making expedition, an Italian gentleman by the name of Giacomo Beltrami arrived at Fort Snelling (known then as Fort St. Anthony).

Beltrami was forced out of his Italian homeland for political reasons. He left Italy with a unique goal in mind. He wanted to do something special for a friend named Guilia. She had shown him much kindness in the past and he wanted to find a special way to show his gratitude.