In the 1850s, mail service on Minnesota's North Shore was notoriously unreliable. That is, until John Beargrease and his team of sled dogs began running mail between Two Harbors and Grand Marais. MN90 Producer Andi McDaniel learns about the man who inspired the annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.

Dan Patch money clip.

Covered race track of Dan Patch and home of International Stock Foods, Savage, 1915. Photographer: Charles P. Gibson.

To Remember Dan Patch, a sculpture of Dan Patch commissioned by his owner, Marion Savage, and created by Alexander Stirling Calder Sr. between 1912 and 1915.

Tobacco tin featuring images of Dan Patch, 1910s.

Dan Patch, August 11, 1910.

Dan Patch with driver Harry Hersey, 1906.

Sterling silver trophy won by Dan Patch in Kentucky, 1905.

Dan Patch badge commemorating his world record mile time, c.1905.