National Register Listing

Chippewa County Bank

a.k.a. Old Chippewa Bank Building

N. 1st St. and Lincoln Ave., Montevideo, MN
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

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 iconic animated characters of Rocky and Bullwinkle were created by Minnesota native Jay Ward in the 1950s.
Minnesota random facts
Chippewa County, located in southwestern Minnesota, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the land was inhabited by several indigenous groups, including the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples. These native communities thrived in the area, relying on hunting, fishing, and agriculture for their livelihoods.

The first documented European exploration of Chippewa County occurred in the early 1800s when fur traders and explorers ventured into the region. In 1862, conflict erupted between settlers and Dakota tribes in what became known as the Dakota War. This event had a significant impact on the county, spurring the forced removal of many Dakota people, and resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of settlements.

After the conflict, Chippewa County experienced a surge of European immigration, particularly from Scandinavian countries. These immigrants, drawn to the promise of fertile farmland, established numerous homesteads and began farming the land. Towns and communities gradually sprang up, including Montevideo, the county seat, which was founded in 1871.

In the 20th century, Chippewa County continued to thrive as an agricultural hub, with farming playing a central role in the local economy. The construction of railroads and roads further connected the county to the rest of the state, facilitating trade and transportation. Today, Chippewa County remains a vibrant and close-knit community, blending its heritage with modern development and serving as a testament to the perseverance and resilience of its residents.

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

  • 1855 - Chippewa County formed from parts of Dakota and Pierce counties in Minnesota Territory
  • 1862 - US-Dakota War breaks out, impacting the region
  • 1870 - First post office established in Chippewa County
  • 1871 - The village of Montevideo laid out and becomes county seat
  • 1872 - Chippewa County's first courthouse built in Montevideo
  • 1873 - Chippewa County officially organized with government officials
  • 1880 - Railroad reaches Montevideo, boosting the local economy
  • 1890 - Population of Chippewa County reaches over 5,000 residents
  • 1897 - Granite Falls becomes an incorporated city in Chippewa County
  • 1930s - Great Depression impacts the county, leading to economic challenges
  • 1970s - Construction of Upper Sioux Agency State Park begins
  • 1990s - Chippewa County experiences population decline