Christie, Dr. George R., House

15 1st St. S, Long Prairie, MN
Local significance of the building:
Health/medicine

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

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 freshwater lake in the world by surface area, Lake Superior. It covers over 31,000 square miles and contains 10% of the world's fresh surface water.
Todd County, located in central Minnesota, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The first inhabitants of the area were Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and Ojibwe peoples. These tribes lived off the land, relying on hunting, fishing, and farming for their sustenance.

European settlement in Todd County began in the mid-19th century, following the signing of treaties that opened up the land for homesteading. The first settlers arrived in the 1850s and established small communities along the Leaf and Long Prairie Rivers. The county was officially organized in 1856 and named after John Blair Smith Todd, an influential politician from Kentucky.

Agriculture played a pivotal role in the development of Todd County. Early settlers engaged in subsistence farming, growing crops such as wheat, corn, and potatoes. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advancements in farming technology and transportation infrastructure led to the expansion of agriculture in the region. Dairy and poultry farming became significant industries, thanks to the fertile soil and the abundance of water sources.

As the county grew, so did its towns and cities. Long Prairie, the county seat, became a central hub for commerce and government. In addition to agriculture, businesses such as logging, mining, and manufacturing also emerged, contributing to the local economy. Today, Todd County continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural presence, while also offering recreational opportunities and a connection to its rich historical roots.

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

  • 1867 - Todd County is established on February 20.
  • 1871 - The first post office, Long Prairie, is established.
  • 1874 - The first courthouse is built in Long Prairie.
  • 1876 - The first newspaper, The Todd County Argus, is published in Long Prairie.
  • 1890 - The first railroad, Northern Pacific Railway, reaches Long Prairie.
  • 1930 - The Great Depression affects Todd County, causing economic hardships.
  • 1954 - The Todd County Historical Society is formed.
  • 1966 - Construction of Long Lake Dam is completed.
  • 1982 - A significant blizzard, known as "The Great Halloween Blizzard," hits Todd County.
  • 1998 - The Todd County Historical Society establishes the Todd County Museum.
  • 2001 - Todd County celebrates its 150th anniversary.