National Register Listing

Freund Store

Co. Hwy. 7, Adams, MN
Local significance of the building:
Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Minnesota.
The first Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives, which would later become the Big Ten Conference, was held in Minneapolis in 1895.
Minnesota random facts
Mower County, Minnesota, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Dakota Sioux and Winnebago tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the region in the 1850s, drawn by the fertile land and abundant water sources.

In 1856, Mower County was officially established and named after John Edward Mower, a soldier who was killed in the Battle of Monterrey during the Mexican-American War. The county's first settlements were primarily agricultural, with farmers cultivating corn, wheat, and oats. The early years were marked by struggles as settlers faced harsh winters, grasshopper plagues, and prairie fires.

The construction of the railroads in the late 1860s and early 1870s brought significant growth and prosperity to Mower County. The railroads opened up new markets for the county's agricultural products and attracted more settlers and businesses. Austin, the county seat, became a thriving center of commerce and industry.

In the early 20th century, Mower County continued to develop and diversify its economy. The city of Austin became well-known for its meatpacking industry, with several major packing plants operating in the area. The county also saw growth in manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors, with the establishment of companies, hospitals, and educational institutions.

Today, Mower County is a vibrant community that blends its agricultural heritage with modern industries. It is known for its scenic landscapes, quality schools, and recreational opportunities. The county continues to grow and adapt, preserving its history while embracing new opportunities for economic development and community progress.

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

  • 1855: Mower County is established by the Minnesota Legislature.
  • 1856: Austin, the county seat, is platted and settled.
  • 1858: The first post office is established in Austin.
  • 1865: Mower County's first newspaper, the "Mower County Transcript," is published.
  • 1873: The Southern Minnesota Railroad reaches Austin.
  • 1886: The Hormel meatpacking plant is founded in Austin.
  • 1910: The Hormel Institute, a biomedical research center, is established in Austin.
  • 1933: The Hormel strike, a historic labor conflict, takes place in Austin.
  • 1966: The Hormel Foundation is established to support local educational, charitable, and scientific activities.
  • 1975: The Hormel Historic Home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1998: The Hormel Foods Corporation celebrates its 100th anniversary.
  • 2004: The Hormel Institute expands with the addition of a new research facility.