Itasca, Lake

Itas·ca, Lake

geographical name \ī-ˈtas-kə\

Definition of ITASCA, LAKE

lake NW cen Minnesota; generally considered as source of Mississippi River

Itasca, Lake

geographical name    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Lake, northwestern Minnesota, U.S. Occupying an area of 1.8 sq mi (4.7 sq km), it is located 1,475 ft (450 m) above sea level. Henry Rowe Schoolcraft's theory that Lake Itasca is the source of the Mississippi River has been widely accepted. He is generally credited with originating the name Itasca, but Indian legend mentions I-tesk-ka, the daughter of Hiawatha, whose tears of anguish at being spirited away to the netherworld were the source of the Mississippi.