Odessa Jail
Main and Second Sts., Odessa, MN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
The immigration of Czechs to America has a rich history that spans several centuries. Here is a brief timeline highlighting key moments in Czech immigration to America:
1848: The Revolutions of 1848 across Europe, including the Austrian Empire (which included Bohemia and Moravia), sparked political and social unrest. As a result, some Czechs sought political refuge in the United States.
1850s: The first significant wave of Czech immigration to the United States begins. Many Czechs, primarily from Bohemia and Moravia, settle in areas such as Texas, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
1862: The Homestead Act, which offered free land to settlers, attracts Czech immigrants to the American Midwest, particularly to farming communities in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Late 19th to early 20th century: The peak period of Czech immigration to America. Economic opportunities and escape from political oppression and economic hardship in the Austro-Hungarian Empire drive large numbers of Czechs to emigrate. Many settle in urban areas like Chicago, New York City, and Cleveland, forming vibrant Czech-American communities.
1918: The creation of Czechoslovakia as an independent nation following World War I leads to a decrease in Czech immigration to the United States, as some Czechs choose to return to their homeland.
1930s to 1940s: The rise of Nazi Germany and subsequent occupation of Czechoslovakia during World War II prompt a new wave of Czech immigrants, including Jewish refugees fleeing persecution.
1948: The Communist Party takes control of Czechoslovakia in a coup, leading to further waves of Czech emigration to the United States as people seek political freedom and economic opportunities.
1968: The Prague Spring, a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia, is met with Soviet military intervention. In its aftermath, many Czech intellectuals, artists, and professionals leave the country, seeking asylum in the United States and other Western countries.
1989: The Velvet Revolution, a peaceful transition of power in Czechoslovakia, ushers in a new era of democracy and freedom. Czech immigration to the United States continues, although at a reduced rate compared to earlier waves.
Today, Czech Americans form a vibrant community in the United States, contributing to various fields such as arts, sciences, business, and politics. Their cultural heritage is celebrated through festivals, organizations, and Czech language schools throughout the country.
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 first successful open-heart surgery was performed in 1952 at the University of Minnesota by Dr. C. Walton Lillehei.
The county was officially established in 1862 and was named after the enormous granite boulders found in the region. Early settlers predominantly engaged in farming, with crops like wheat, corn, and oats being the mainstays of the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century provided a significant boost to the county's agricultural industry as it allowed for easier transportation of goods.
In the early 20th century, Big Stone County experienced a period of economic growth, with the mining industry becoming a major player. Granite quarries were established, providing a valuable source of building materials for projects across the country. Despite the economic boom, the Great Depression in the 1930s brought hardship and financial difficulties to the area, leading to a decline in mining operations and population.
In more recent times, Big Stone County has focused on diversifying its economy beyond agriculture and mining. The county has prioritized tourism, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking enthusiasts to explore the beautiful lakes and parks in the area. Agriculture, though still a vital component of the local economy, has seen advancements in technology and techniques.
Today, Big Stone County remains a picturesque rural area, with a rich history that is preserved in its museums and landmarks. It continues to be a thriving community, balancing its traditional roots with modern developments and opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Big Stone County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Big Stone County, Minnesota.
- 1862 - Big Stone County is established as a county in Minnesota.
- 1870s - European settlers begin to arrive in the area.
- 1877 - Ortonville becomes the county seat.
- 1881 - The first library is established in Ortonville.
- 1890s - Agriculture becomes the main industry in the county.
- 1893 - Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge is established.
- 1910 - The first automobile arrives in the county.
- 1930s - The Great Depression impacts the local economy.
- 1940s - World War II brings changes and challenges to the county.
- 1950s - Improved roads and technology contribute to economic growth.
- 1960s - The construction of Big Stone Power Plant begins.
- 1975 - The dam at Big Stone Lake is completed.
- 1980s - Tourism becomes a significant part of the local economy.
- 1990s - The county experiences population decline.
- 2005 - Big Stone Wind Farm, Minnesota's largest wind farm, is built.