Historical Markers in
Morrison County, Minnesota

66 East Broadway 75 East Broadway 99th Infantry Battalion (Sep) activated at Camp Ripley August 1942 A Boyhood on the Mississippi Belle Prairie Church and Log Cabin Big White Pine Black and White Cafe Buckman Hotel Butler Block Childhood Memories of a Magical Place City Hall City Hall and Fire Department Episcopal Church of Our Savior Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Gregerson Building Harrison & Peterson Building Holy Family Parish James Green Park Lindbergh House Lindbergh State Park Little Falls and the Mississippi River Little Falls Commercial Historic District Log Cabin Morrison County Lumber Company Morrison County Veterans Memorial Nathan Richardson Northern Pacific Railway Depot Pierz Rhodes-Tanner Block Rhodes-Wetzel Building Sacred Heart Chapel Sands Cafe Site of Foundation of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Sprandel Block Tenant Farmer House The Bell The Boyhood Farm of Charles Lindbergh The Burton / Rosenmeier House The French Fort The Monument The Way of the Cross The WPA Builds a Park in the Rustic Style United States Post Office Victor Building W. Tonn Block William Warren, Two Rivers House Site and Peter MacDougall Farmstead WPA Water Tower & Shelter Building
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Morrison County, located in central Minnesota, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The region was originally inhabited by Ojibwe and Dakota Sioux tribes, who relied on hunting, fishing, and agriculture for their livelihoods. However, in the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, leading to significant changes.

In 1838, the area that is now Morrison County was part of a territorial land grab by the United States government. The Treaty of St. Peters opened up the region for settlement, and settlers quickly flocked to the area, attracted by the abundance of timber and fertile land. The first permanent white settlement in the county was established in 1849 by a group of Franciscan missionaries.

The county's economy was initially based on logging, as the lush forests provided ample resources for the burgeoning timber industry. Sawmills sprang up throughout the area, and Morrison County became one of the largest lumber producers in Minnesota. As the logging industry thrived, the county experienced a population boom, with immigrants from Germany, Poland, and other European countries arriving to work in the timber sector.

Over the years, Morrison County has witnessed various social and economic developments. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century revolutionized transportation in the region, allowing for easier movement of goods and people. The logging industry began to decline in the early 20th century due to deforestation and changing market demands. However, agriculture, particularly dairy farming, became an important economic driver for the county.

Today, Morrison County is a mixture of rural communities and small towns. It embraces its historical heritage and is home to several museums, including The Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site, celebrating the famous aviator's early life in the county. The county continues to evolve, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, ensuring a bright future for the residents of Morrison County.

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

  • 1851: Morrison County was established on February 25.
  • 1852: The first settlers arrived in the area, primarily from Maine.
  • 1856: The city of Little Falls was platted and designated as the county seat.
  • 1860: The population of Morrison County reached over 2,000 people.
  • 1874: The first railroad reached Morrison County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1878: Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr., father of aviator Charles Lindbergh, was born in Morrison County.
  • 1884: The first county fair was held in Little Falls.
  • 1889: Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr., the famous aviator, was born in Morrison County.
  • 1894: The famous Zoar Methodist Church was constructed in the county.
  • 1914: The current courthouse in Little Falls was built.
  • 1920: The prohibition era began, leading to an increase in illegal alcohol production and distribution in the county.
  • 1950: Morrison County experienced a period of economic growth with new industries and a growing population.
  • 1964: Charles Lindbergh, Jr.'s childhood home in Little Falls became a state historic site.
  • 1997: The Charles A. Lindbergh State Park was established in Morrison County.