National Register Listing

Bethelhem Lutheran Church

a.k.a. Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Bethlehem Church

Off Co. Hwy. 12, Aitkin, MN
The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Bethlehem Church is significant for its association with the substantial Swedish settlement in the hilly lake region south of Aitkin. During the 1880s and 1890s, an influx of Swedish immigrants arrived in Aitkin County, and many settled lake regions between Lake Mille Lacs and Aitkin. By 1900 the townships south of Aitkin (Farm Island, Hazelton, and Nordland) had attained 75% of their peak year population of 1508 (1940), and the Swedes, numbering 979, comprised Aitkin County's largest ethnic group. The Bethlehem Church, the second of five area churches to affiliate with the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod, was organized in 1891 three years after the organization of the region's first Swedish Lutheran congregation. The present church structure, erected in 1897 with donated materials, served as the religious and social center of the surrounding community well into the twentieth century. Today, the church continues to serve the religious needs of the area's inhabitants many of whom are descendants of the region's original settlers. The building, the second oldest extant church edifice in Aitkin County, is considered the best representative structure associated with Swedish immigration because of its physical integrity and longevity of service to the community.
Local significance of the building:
Exploration/settlement; Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

exploration settlementT religion gravesites
Minnesota is home to the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, Lake Superior. It covers over 31,000 square miles and contains 10% of the world's fresh surface water.
Minnesota random facts
Aitkin County, located in the central part of Minnesota, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to the Dakota and Ojibwe Native American tribes, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for their livelihoods. European exploration and settlement began in the 17th century, with French traders and voyageurs making their way to the area to trade furs with the Native Americans.

In the mid-19th century, the US government established a trading post in Aitkin County, which helped to facilitate further settlement in the area. The county was officially established in 1857, named after William Alexander Aitkin, a prominent fur trader in the region. The lumber industry soon became a major economic driver for the county, with numerous sawmills established along the area's rivers.

The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further spurred growth and development in Aitkin County. The county became a hub for logging and timber transportation, as well as providing a means for settlers to access the area. The county's economy diversified over time, with agriculture playing an increasingly important role alongside the timber industry.

Today, Aitkin County is a thriving community that embraces its natural beauty and history. Outdoor recreation, such as fishing, hunting, and hiking, is a popular activity in the area. The county's historical sites and museums, such as the Aitkin County Historical Society and the Aitkin Depot Museum, provide a glimpse into the area's past. Aitkin County continues to be a place where residents and visitors can appreciate the unique combination of natural resources and rich history that the region has to offer.

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

  • 1857: Aitkin County is established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
  • 1871: Aitkin becomes the county seat of Aitkin County.
  • 1884: The Great Northern Railway reaches Aitkin, connecting the area to larger markets.
  • 1902: The town of McGregor is incorporated in Aitkin County.
  • 1903: The Soo Line Railroad reaches Aitkin, further improving transportation in the area.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardship to Aitkin County.
  • 1942: The Savanna Army Depot is established near McGregor during World War II.
  • 1970s: Aitkin County experiences a period of economic growth and development.
  • 1993: The Pillsbury State Forest is established in Aitkin County.
  • 2016: The Mille Lacs Indian Reservation, located partially within Aitkin County, is officially recognized by the federal government.