National Register Listing

Norman County Courthouse

16 E.3rd Ave., Ada, MN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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 politics government law courthouses buildings
Minnesota was the first state to offer voter registration on the day of an election in 1974.
Minnesota random facts
Norman County, Minnesota, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Dakota and Ojibwe Native American tribes who relied on the natural resources of the land for their sustenance. European settlement began in the mid-19th century when settlers from the United States and Europe arrived in search of new opportunities.

In 1873, Norman County was established and named after Norman Kittson, a prominent fur trader and entrepreneur. The county grew rapidly, with the arrival of the Great Northern Railway in the late 1800s, which opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation. Agriculture became a cornerstone of the county's economy, with crops like wheat, corn, and barley flourishing in the fertile soil.

Over the years, Norman County faced its share of challenges, including devastating fires and the Great Depression. However, the residents persevered and rebuilt their community. The county continued to develop, with the construction of roads, schools, and other infrastructure projects.

Today, Norman County remains an agricultural hub, with farming and related industries as its economic backbone. The county boasts a strong sense of community, with many events and festivals that celebrate its heritage and bring people together. Norman County is also home to several natural attractions, including recreational areas such as Lake Ulen and the Sandhill River, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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

  • 1871 - Norman County was established on November 8
  • 1872 - Ada, the county seat, was incorporated as a village on May 18
  • 1878 - First newspaper, the Norman County Index, was established
  • 1881 - Hendrum was incorporated as a village on August 25
  • 1882 - Second newspaper, the Hendrum Mirror, started publication
  • 1892 - Borup was incorporated as a village on July 19
  • 1906 - Gary was incorporated as a village on April 19
  • 1914 - Twin Valley was incorporated as a village on March 16
  • 1926 - Halstad was incorporated as a city on April 26
  • 1951 - Second newspaper, Norman County Index, merged with Twin Valley Tribune
  • 2005 - Record flood damages many communities in the county