National Register Listing

Sibley County Courthouse and Sheriff's Residence and Jail

400 Court St. and 319 Park Ave., Gaylord, MN
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

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.

law courthouses buildings
The first successful bone marrow transplant was performed at the University of Minnesota in 1968 by Dr. Robert Good.
Minnesota random facts
Sibley County, located in the state of Minnesota, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the prehistoric era. The area that is now Sibley County was once inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Dakota Sioux, who lived off the land and relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering for their sustenance.

The county was officially established on March 5, 1853, and was named in honor of Henry H. Sibley, a prominent politician and businessman at the time. The early settlers of Sibley County were primarily European immigrants, with German and Irish immigrants being the most prominent. These settlers were attracted to the abundant natural resources, fertile soil, and opportunities for farming.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sibley County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of railroads in the area facilitated transportation and trade, leading to the establishment of new towns and communities. Agriculture remained a vital part of Sibley County's economy, with farms producing a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Over the years, Sibley County has faced its share of challenges and changes. The county has seen fluctuations in its population due to factors such as economic downturns, changing agricultural practices, and urbanization. However, it has also witnessed advancements in technology, infrastructure, and education, positioning it as a vibrant and thriving community in the present day.

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

  • 1853: Sibley County was established
  • 1854: Henderson was chosen as the county seat
  • 1862-1863: Dakota War occurred in the area
  • 1865: The Minnesota State Legislature authorized the construction of a county courthouse in Henderson
  • 1866: Henderson became an incorporated village
  • 1870: The first steamboat arrived in Henderson via the Minnesota River
  • 1872: Sibley County's first courthouse was completed
  • 1875: The first railroad was constructed through Henderson
  • 1892: A tornado caused significant damage to Henderson
  • 1903: Henderson became a city
  • 1953: The current Sibley County Courthouse was built
  • 2004: The Henderson Historical Society created the Sibley County Historical Society