National Register Listing

Mahnomen County Courthouse

311 N. Main St., Mahnomen, MN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

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.

architecture politics government law courthouses buildings
The first European to explore Minnesota was French explorer Jean Nicolet in 1634. He traveled along Lake Michigan and the Fox River and likely reached the present-day state of Minnesota.
Minnesota random facts
Mahnomen County is located in the northwestern part of Minnesota and is named after the Ojibwe word for "wild rice." The area that is now Mahnomen County was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe people who relied on the abundant wild rice beds for sustenance. In the 19th century, European settlers arrived in the area, attracted by the fertile land and timber resources. They established small farms and started logging operations.

The county was officially organized in 1906, with the town of Mahnomen serving as its county seat. Agriculture played a significant role in the early development of the county, with farmers growing wheat, potatoes, and other crops. The arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century further facilitated trade and economic growth.

During the Prohibition era in the 1920s, Mahnomen County gained notoriety as a hotbed for bootlegging and illegal alcohol production. The remote location and dense forests made it a prime location for clandestine operations. Many local residents participated in the illegal trade, which brought both wealth and criminal activities to the area.

In more recent years, the economy of Mahnomen County has diversified. Besides agriculture, the county has seen growth in industries such as tourism, gaming, and manufacturing. The White Earth Indian Reservation, located partly in the county, is home to the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, and its casinos have become major economic drivers. Overall, Mahnomen County is a blend of rich Native American heritage, agricultural traditions, and modern industries.

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

  • 1866 - Mahnomen County established.
  • 1872 - First sawmill in the county built.
  • 1875 - First courthouse constructed.
  • 1882 - First schoolhouse in the county opened.
  • 1896 - First railroad line extended into the county.
  • 1902 - Second courthouse built.
  • 1916 - Mahnomen became home to Mahnomen County Historical Society.
  • 1931 - State Highway 200 paved in the county.
  • 1957 - Current Mahnomen County courthouse built.
  • 1970 - Shooting Star Casino established on the White Earth Indian Reservation.