Graystone Hotel
a.k.a. Graystone Complex
119 Pioneer St., Detroit Lakes, MN Local significance of the building: Entertainment/recreation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
A brief timeline of the history of the Republic of Texas
- 1821: The Mexican War of Independence concludes, and Mexico gains independence from Spain. Texas is a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico.
- 1824: The Mexican government establishes the Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
- 1826: A group of American settlers, known as the Fredonian Rebellion, attempt to establish an independent state in Texas. The rebellion is short-lived and quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
- 1830: The Mexican government, concerned about the growing number of American settlers in Texas, passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes restrictions on further American immigration to Texas.
- 1835: Tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government escalate, leading to the Texas Revolution. The Texian rebels, led by figures such as Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, engage in battles against Mexican forces.
- 1836: On March 2, the Texian delegates at the Convention of 1836 declare independence from Mexico and establish the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston is elected as the first President of Texas. The Battle of the Alamo takes place in February-March, where a small Texian garrison defends the Alamo Mission against a large Mexican army. Despite their defeat, the battle becomes a symbol of Texian resistance.
- 1836-1838: The Republic of Texas faces a series of military conflicts with Mexico, including the Goliad Massacre and the Battle of San Jacinto. The decisive Texian victory at San Jacinto secures their independence and captures Mexican General Santa Anna, who signs the Treaties of Velasco recognizing Texas as an independent nation.
- 1836-1845: The Republic of Texas operates as an independent nation, establishing a constitution, government, and capital at various locations including Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, and eventually, Houston. Efforts to join the United States face opposition due to fears of potential conflict with Mexico.
- 1845: Texas agrees to annexation and becomes the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845, following approval by the U.S. Congress. This leads to the Mexican-American War in 1846.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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Minnesota is home to the largest ball of twine ever rolled by one person. Francis A. Johnson started rolling the ball in 1950 and continued to add to it until his death in 1989. The ball weighs over 17,000 pounds and has a circumference of 40 feet.
About Becker County
Becker County Timeline
Becker County, located in the state of Minnesota, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for sustenance and trade.
The first known European exploration of the area occurred in the 18th century when French fur traders and explorers ventured into the region. In the early 19th century, the United States acquired the territory through the Louisiana Purchase, and the first European-American settlers began arriving in the 1850s. The establishment of a trading post by Joseph and Charles Godfrey in 1854 marked the beginning of permanent settlement in what is now Becker County.
In 1858, the Minnesota Territory officially organized Becker County, naming it in honor of George Loomis Becker, a temporary judge in the area. The county grew rapidly in the late 19th century with the expansion of the railroad and the timber industry. Logging became a significant economic activity, attracting immigrants from Europe, particularly Scandinavia. Numerous sawmills were established, and the timber resources of the nearby forests were extensively exploited.
In the early 20th century, the county experienced a shift from logging to agriculture as the primary economic driver. Improved technology and transportation infrastructure encouraged farmers to cultivate crops and raise livestock. Today, Becker County remains an important agricultural region, known for its production of corn, soybeans, wheat, and dairy products. The county's natural beauty and numerous lakes also attract tourists who enjoy fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.
The first known European exploration of the area occurred in the 18th century when French fur traders and explorers ventured into the region. In the early 19th century, the United States acquired the territory through the Louisiana Purchase, and the first European-American settlers began arriving in the 1850s. The establishment of a trading post by Joseph and Charles Godfrey in 1854 marked the beginning of permanent settlement in what is now Becker County.
In 1858, the Minnesota Territory officially organized Becker County, naming it in honor of George Loomis Becker, a temporary judge in the area. The county grew rapidly in the late 19th century with the expansion of the railroad and the timber industry. Logging became a significant economic activity, attracting immigrants from Europe, particularly Scandinavia. Numerous sawmills were established, and the timber resources of the nearby forests were extensively exploited.
In the early 20th century, the county experienced a shift from logging to agriculture as the primary economic driver. Improved technology and transportation infrastructure encouraged farmers to cultivate crops and raise livestock. Today, Becker County remains an important agricultural region, known for its production of corn, soybeans, wheat, and dairy products. The county's natural beauty and numerous lakes also attract tourists who enjoy fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.
Becker County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Becker County, Minnesota.
- 1858 - Becker County is officially established as a county.
- 1866 - The city of Detroit is designated as the county seat.
- 1871 - The first courthouse is built in Detroit.
- 1872 - Minnesota and International Railway is completed, improving transportation in the county.
- 1875 - The Detroit Lakes railroad depot is constructed, further boosting transportation and trade.
- 1890 - White Earth Indian Reservation is established within the county.
- 1914 - Becker County is hit by a devastating fire known as the "Great Detroit Fire".
- 1920 - The White Earth State Forest is created to protect natural resources.
- 1934 - The Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge is established to preserve wildlife habitats.
- 1955 - The Becker County Museum is founded, showcasing the history and culture of the area.
- 1974 - The Becker County Historical Society is established to preserve and promote local history.
- 2010 - Detroit Lakes becomes the most populous city in Becker County.
- 2015 - The Becker County Historical Society expands its facilities to accommodate increased visitors.