District No. 55 School
a.k.a. Svea School
Co. Hwy. 13, Willmar, MN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
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.
The US-Dakota War of 1862, also known as the Sioux Uprising, was a conflict between the Dakota Sioux and the United States. The war resulted in the execution of 38 Dakota men, the largest mass execution in U.S. history.
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.
Kandiyohi County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history 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.