National Register Listing

Lake Shetak State Park WPA/Rustic Style Group Camp

a.k.a. Lake Shetek State Park

Off Co. Hwy. 37 on Lake Shetek, Murray and Shetek Townships, Currie, MN
Local significance of the building:
Entertainment/recreation; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

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.
Minnesota random facts
Murray County, located in the southwestern corner of Minnesota, has a rich history dating back centuries. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux. European settlers began arriving in the late 1800s, attracted by the fertile farmland and opportunities for trade.

In 1857, Murray County was officially established and named after territorial legislator William H. Murray. The county seat was initially located in Currie, which was a small trading post at the time. As the population grew, the county government was eventually moved to Slayton in 1890.

Agriculture played a significant role in the county's development. Immigrants from Germany, Scandinavia, and other European countries brought their farming skills and helped cultivate the land. The fertile soil allowed for prosperous farms, with wheat being a primary crop. Over time, dairy farming and hog production also became important to the local economy.

Murray County was not without its challenges, however. The harsh winters and limited access to transportation posed difficulties for early settlers. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s helped connect the county to the wider region, facilitating the transportation of goods and people.

Today, Murray County remains an agricultural hub, known for its production of corn, soybeans, and livestock. The county is also home to several lakes and recreational areas, attracting visitors for boating, fishing, and camping. Despite the changes over the years, Murray County has maintained its rural charm while adapting to the needs of its residents and visitors.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Murray County, Minnesota.

  • 1857: Murray County was established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
  • 1870: The first permanent settlement, with the town of Fenton becoming the first county seat.
  • 1872: The county seat was moved to Currie.
  • 1880: The Chicago and North Western Railway was completed, boosting the county's population and economy.
  • 1890: The county seat was moved again, this time to Slayton.
  • 1939-1940: The Murray County Courthouse, in Slayton, was constructed.
  • 1962: The county's population reached its peak at over 10,000 residents.
  • 1998: Murray County celebrated its 140-year anniversary.
  • 2000: The county's population decreased to just over 8,700 residents.
  • 2020: Murray County continues to thrive as a rural community in southwestern Minnesota.