National Register Listing

Esselman Brothers General Store

a.k.a. Esselman's Store

Co. Hwys. 1 and 13, Rice, MN
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Agriculture; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

commerce agriculture architecture
The iron ore industry played a significant role in Minnesota's early development. The Mesabi Range, located in the northeastern part of the state, is one of the largest iron ore deposits in the world.
Minnesota random facts
Benton County, Minnesota has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area that is now Benton County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Sioux and Ojibwe, who utilized the region's natural resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering. European settlement began in the 1800s when the United States government established treaties with the Native tribes, allowing for the migration of settlers into the area.

The land that would become Benton County was officially organized in 1849 when it was named for Senator Thomas Hart Benton. The county was predominantly agricultural, and early settlers worked the fertile soil to establish farms and homesteads. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further facilitated transportation and economic growth in the area, allowing for the development of thriving towns and communities.

One significant event in Benton County's history was the construction of the Great Northern Railway line in the early 1900s, which boosted trade and brought increased prosperity to the region. With this economic growth came the establishment of diverse industries, including milling, logging, and manufacturing. The county also became a hub for education and culture, with the establishment of schools, libraries, and cultural organizations.

Today, Benton County continues to evolve and grow, with a balance between its agricultural roots and a modern, diverse economy. The county boasts a vibrant community, with its rich history celebrated through various festivals and historical sites. From its early origins as Native American territory to its development as an agricultural and industrial powerhouse, Benton County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the people who have called it home.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Benton County, Minnesota.

  • 1849: Benton County is established in the Minnesota Territory.
  • 1857: The first permanent settlement is established in what is now St. Cloud.
  • 1860: The town of Sauk Rapids is incorporated.
  • 1865: The Great Fire of Sauk Rapids destroys much of the town.
  • 1870: The St. Cloud State Normal School (now St. Cloud State University) is founded.
  • 1886: The Great Northern Railway reaches St. Cloud, boosting economic development.
  • 1939: The Benton County Courthouse, designed in Art Deco style, is completed.
  • 1963: The completion of the Sartell Dam creates a hydroelectric power plant.
  • 1998: The Granite City Crossing Bridge is opened, connecting St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids.
  • 2002: The Stearns County History Center opens, showcasing the history of Benton County.