Historical Markers in
Kandiyohi County, Minnesota

1873 Blizzard Backlund / Lorentson Monument Battle of the Broom C.C.C. Worker Capitol Hill Carrie Johnson Dalton Johnson Wildlife Area Diamond Lake Camp Diamond Lake Community Park Early History of New London Federal Fish Hatchery Gates Homestead Geology of the Willmar Region Great Northern Railway Engine No. 2523 Green Lake Mounds Guri Endresen-Rosseland Haugen Homestead How Irving Township Got Its Start Isle of Refuge Jericho Johannes Iverson John Other Day Camp Kandiyohi County Indian History Lake Florida Mission Covenant Church Little Crow's Camp Lundborg Cabin Lundborg-Broberg State Monument Old Log Church Olof Olson Haugen Origin Of Crow River Dam and Mills Raymond, Minnesota Veterans Memorial Red River Trail Robbins Island Robert lhlang Post 537, The American Legion Spicer The Old Log Church The West Lake Massacre This Historical Inclosure Tromso Norsk Evangeliske Kirken Turning Back Time U.S. Military Post US-Dakota War of 1862 Aftermath Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans War Memorial Veteran's Memorial Victory Dance Wheeler Lake Camp Whitefield Town Site "Kandiyohi"
Minnesota was the first state to offer voter registration on the day of an election in 1974.
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Kandiyohi County, located in central Minnesota, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The land that is now Kandiyohi County was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe. These tribes utilized the region's resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

European settlement in Kandiyohi County began in the mid-19th century with the arrival of missionaries and traders. In 1858, the county was officially established as a separate entity and named after a Dakota word meaning "where the buffalo fish come."

The late 19th century brought a period of rapid growth to Kandiyohi County, driven by the expansion of railroad lines and the establishment of numerous small towns. Agriculture became the dominant industry, with the fertile soil supporting the growth of crops like corn, wheat, and oats. The county also became a major producer of dairy products and livestock.

Over the years, Kandiyohi County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The county remains an agricultural powerhouse, but it has also become a hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. With its scenic landscapes, lakes, and parks, Kandiyohi County has also become a popular destination for outdoor recreation, attracting tourists and residents alike. Today, Kandiyohi County is a vibrant community that embraces its history while looking towards a bright future.

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

  • 1849: Kandiyohi County was established by the Minnesota Territory legislature.
  • 1865: The first white settler arrived in Kandiyohi County.
  • 1867: The county government was organized.
  • 1870: The city of Willmar was platted.
  • 1871: The first school was built in Lake Elizabeth Township.
  • 1873: The Great Northern Railway reached Willmar, stimulating growth in the area.
  • 1894: A county courthouse was built in Willmar.
  • 1921: The first paved road was constructed in Kandiyohi County.
  • 1962: The Green Lake Sanatorium opened to treat tuberculosis patients.
  • 1971: The county's first community college, Ridgewater College, was established in Willmar.
  • 2000: The population of Kandiyohi County exceeded 41,000.