National Register Listing

Jackson County Courthouse

413 4th St., Jackson, MN
Local significance of the building:
Art; Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

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.

art architecture politics government law courthouses buildings
Minnesota was the first state to offer voter registration on the day of an election in 1974.
Minnesota random facts
Jackson County, Minnesota, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Dakota Sioux, who relied on the land's resources for their livelihoods. European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, establishing the first permanent communities in the region.

The county was officially organized in 1857 and named after Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. Early settlers faced many challenges, including harsh weather conditions and limited resources. However, they persevered, and agriculture became the main economic activity in Jackson County, with crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat thriving in the fertile soil.

In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad brought further growth and development to the county. Small towns sprouted up along the railroad lines, serving as hubs for businesses, trade, and transportation. Jackson, the county seat, quickly became a thriving community, offering a variety of services and amenities to both residents and visitors.

Throughout the 20th century, Jackson County continued to evolve with advancements in technology and infrastructure. The agricultural sector grew stronger, with farmers adopting modern farming techniques and machinery. The county also experienced industrial development, attracting businesses that brought new job opportunities and further diversifying the local economy.

Today, Jackson County remains a vibrant community, with a balanced mix of agriculture, industrial, and service sectors. Its rich history and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for tourists and a welcoming place to call home for its residents.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jackson County, Minnesota.

  • 1857 - Jackson County, MN is established as a county.
  • 1858 - First European settlement established in Jackson County.
  • 1862 - US-Dakota War takes place, severely impacting the area.
  • 1864 - Jackson Center is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1869 - Jackson County's first newspaper, the Jackson Standard, is established.
  • 1870 - First county fair is held in Jackson County.
  • 1874 - Construction of the Jackson County Courthouse begins.
  • 1884 - Jackson County's population reaches over 5,000.
  • 1894 - Jackson County experiences a major grasshopper plague, causing significant agricultural damage.
  • 1903 - First automobile arrives in Jackson County.
  • 1930 - Jackson County's population reaches its peak at over 14,000.
  • 1957 - Jackson County Fairgrounds opens.
  • 1970 - Interstate 90 is completed, improving transportation access to Jackson County.
  • 2005 - Jackson County Historical Society Museum opens, highlighting the county's history.