National Register Listing

Elk River Water Tower

Jackson Ave. & 4th St., NW, Elk River, MN
Local significance of the structure:
Community Planning And Development; Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

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.

Minnesota is home to the largest ball of twine ever rolled by one person. Francis A. Johnson started rolling the ball in 1950 and continued to add to it until his death in 1989. The ball weighs over 17,000 pounds and has a circumference of 40 feet.
Minnesota random facts
Sherburne County, located in the state of Minnesota, has a rich and vibrant history. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe Native American tribe before European settlers arrived in the 1850s. The first permanent settlement was established in 1852 by traders and explorers, who were mainly attracted by the vast natural resources of the region, including timber and fur.

The county was officially organized and named Sherburne in 1856, in honor of Moses Sherburne, a legislator from New Hampshire. Agriculture quickly became the main industry in the area, with settlers cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, and oats. The fertile soil, combined with the expansion of the railroad network, boosted the county's economy and population growth.

During the late 19th century, Sherburne County experienced significant growth and development. Towns such as Elk River and Big Lake emerged as important trade and transportation hubs, serving as major centers for the lumber and farming industries. The construction of roads, bridges, and schools further contributed to the county's progress and stability.

In the 20th century, Sherburne County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The establishment of the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in 1965 marked an important milestone, highlighting the area's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity. Today, Sherburne County is a thriving community that combines a strong agricultural heritage with modern industries, offering a high quality of life for its residents and attracting visitors from near and far.

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

  • 1856: Sherburne County was established in Minnesota.
  • 1857: The first settlers arrived in the county.
  • 1861: The county government was organized.
  • 1870: The Great Northern Railway was built through the county.
  • 1886: The city of Elk River was incorporated.
  • 1902: The first county courthouse was constructed.
  • 1919: Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge was established.
  • 1931: The county courthouse was destroyed by fire.
  • 1934: The current county courthouse was built.
  • 1969: The Sherco power plant was constructed.