National Register Listing

Dawson Armory and Community Building

676 Pine St., Dawson, MN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

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.

architecture social history
Audiobooks about the history of Minnesota.
The first successful open-heart surgery was performed in 1952 at the University of Minnesota by Dr. C. Walton Lillehei.
Minnesota random facts
Lac Qui Parle County, located in Minnesota, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and Ojibwe. The name "Lac Qui Parle" translates to "lake that speaks" in French, referring to the nearby lake where Dakota tribes would often coordinate and communicate with other village sites.

In the early 1800s, European fur traders ventured into the region and established trade networks with the Native Americans. However, it wasn't until the mid-1850s that permanent settlers began to arrive in the area. The county was officially established in 1862, after Minnesota achieved statehood.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lac Qui Parle County experienced rapid growth and development. Immigrants from Sweden, Norway, and other European countries were drawn to the fertile farming land. Agriculture became the backbone of the local economy, with wheat, corn, and dairy farming being the primary industries.

Over the years, the county has witnessed various changes and advancements. The construction of railways in the late 1800s improved transportation and facilitated the delivery of goods. Schools, churches, and small towns sprouted across the county, establishing a sense of community. As technology progressed, farmers transitioned from horse-drawn equipment to mechanized farming techniques.

Today, Lac Qui Parle County remains an agricultural hub, known for its scenic landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county's history is preserved in local museums and historical sites, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of those who have shaped the area's past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lac Qui Parle County, Minnesota.

  • 1853 - Lac Qui Parle County is established by Minnesota legislature
  • 1857 - The first permanent settlement is established in the county
  • 1868 - The county seat is established in Lac Qui Parle Village
  • 1870 - The county seat is moved to Madison
  • 1872 - The Western Minnesota Railroad is built through the county
  • 1890 - The county's population reaches its peak at over 14,000 residents
  • 1929 - A severe drought and economic depression hit the county
  • 1932 - The Lac Qui Parle River dammed to create a reservoir
  • 1940 - The population of the county starts declining
  • 1975 - The Upper Sioux Indian Reservation is established in the county
  • 2000 - The census reports a population of 9,436 in the county