National Register Listing

St. Pauli Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church

33022 U.S. HWY 75, Almond Township, MN
Local significance of the building:
European; Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

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.

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The oldest public wildflower garden in the United States, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, is located in Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis.
Minnesota random facts
Big Stone County, Minnesota has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, notably the Dakota Sioux, who roamed the region for hunting and gathering purposes. European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, attracted by the fertile land and the opportunities presented by the growing agriculture industry.

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.

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.