National Register Listing

Lake Benton Opera House

Benton St. between Fremont and Center Sts., Lake Benton, MN
Local significance of the building:
Performing Arts

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Minnesota was the first state to establish a charter school law in 1991, allowing for more independent and innovative educational opportunities.
Minnesota random facts
Located in southwestern Minnesota, Lincoln County has a rich and diverse history that spans over 150 years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux, who relied on the fertile prairies and abundant wildlife for sustenance. European settlement began in the mid-1800s when settlers from various European countries, such as Sweden and Norway, arrived in search of farming opportunities.

In 1873, Lincoln County was officially established, named after President Abraham Lincoln. The county seat was initially located in Lake Benton, a small settlement founded by European immigrants. However, in 1889, the seat was relocated to the newly established town of Ivanhoe due to its more central location within the county.

Agriculture played a crucial role in the county's development, with settlers cultivating the fertile soil for wheat, corn, and other crops. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further accelerated the county's growth and facilitated the transportation of agricultural products.

Over time, the county witnessed changes in its demographics and economic activities. The declining profitability of small-scale farming led to a shift towards larger agricultural operations and diversified farming practices. Additionally, the discovery of oil in the area in the 1950s brought new opportunities and boosted the local economy.

Today, Lincoln County continues to be primarily agricultural, with farming and related industries serving as the main economic drivers. The county's rich history, diverse heritage, and strong sense of community make it a vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.

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

  • 1862 - Lincoln County is established on March 6th, as one of the nine original counties in the Minnesota Territory.
  • 1869 - The county seat is established in the town of Lake Benton.
  • 1885 - The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway reaches Lincoln County, boosting economic development.
  • 1892 - Ivanhoe is incorporated as a city.
  • 1893 - Hendricks is incorporated as a city.
  • 1905 - Taunton is incorporated as a city.
  • 1913 - The Lincoln County Courthouse in Lake Benton is completed.
  • 1959 - Arco is incorporated as a city.
  • 1974 - Tyler is incorporated as a city.
  • 2000 - The population of Lincoln County reaches its peak at around 6,930 people.
  • 2010 - The population of Lincoln County decreases to approximately 5,896 people.