National Register Listing

Conservation Building

205 Minnesota Ave., Walker, MN
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
  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.

politics government Civil War military
Audiobooks about the history of Minnesota.
Minnesota is home to the largest ball of twine ever rolled by one person. Francis A. Johnson started rolling the ball in 1950 and continued to add to it until his death in 1989. The ball weighs over 17,000 pounds and has a circumference of 40 feet.
Minnesota random facts
Cass County, Minnesota has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The land that is now known as Cass County was originally inhabited by Ojibwe and Dakota Sioux tribes. These Native American communities relied on the abundant natural resources for sustenance and thrived in the area for centuries.

European fur traders and explorers began to arrive in the late 18th century, establishing trading posts and bringing new influences to the region. The fur trade brought increased interaction between Native Americans and Europeans, shaping the cultural landscape of Cass County. In the early 19th century, the region was part of the Northwest Territory and later became part of the Minnesota Territory.

As more settlers moved westward, Cass County was officially established in 1851. The county was named after Lewis Cass, a politician and diplomat who played a significant role in territorial and statehood discussions. The county's population grew steadily as settlers were attracted to the area's forests, lakes, and opportunities for logging, agriculture, and mining.

The logging industry played a major role in Cass County's economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Timber was transported via rivers and railroads to support the building boom in nearby cities. However, overlogging led to environmental concerns and the decline of this industry.

Today, Cass County continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting numerous lakes, forests, and recreational areas. The county is also home to a vibrant community, preserving its history through museums, historical sites, and cultural events. Despite the changes over time, Cass County's unique blend of Native American heritage, European influence, and natural beauty remains an integral part of its identity.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cass County, Minnesota.

  • 1820: European fur traders begin to explore the region that would later become Cass County.
  • 1838: The area is officially opened for settlement.
  • 1851: The U.S. Government signs treaties with the Ojibwe and Chippewa tribes, ceding land in the area.
  • 1854: Cass County is officially organized and named after Lewis Cass, a Michigan senator.
  • 1882: The Northern Pacific Railway reaches the county, spurring growth and development.
  • Early 1900s: Agriculture, logging, and tourism become important industries in the county.
  • 1928: The first paved road is constructed in Cass County.
  • 1949: Leech Lake Indian Reservation is established in the northern part of the county.
  • 1968: Cass County Historical Society is founded to preserve the county's heritage.
  • 1996: The Chippewa National Forest celebrates its centennial.
  • 2000s: Cass County experiences population growth and increasing tourism.