National Register Listing

Swensson, Olof, Farmstead

a.k.a. Olof Swensson Farm

Co. Hwys. 15 and 6, Granite Falls, MN
Local significance of the district:
Politics/government; Architecture; Religion; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
  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 architecture religion social history counties Civil War military
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
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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