National Register Listing

Browns Valley Carnegie Public Library

Broadway Ave. and 2nd St., Browns Valley, MN
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

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.

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Minnesota is home to the world's largest pelican statue, standing at 15.5 feet tall and located in the city of Pelican Rapids.
Minnesota random facts
Traverse County, located in western Minnesota, has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s. It was officially established on February 20, 1862, and named after Lake Traverse, which borders the county on the west. The area was originally home to the Dakota Sioux Tribe, who used the land for hunting and fishing.

In the late 1800s, European settlers began to move into Traverse County, attracted by the fertile soil and opportunities for farming. The construction of the Great Northern Railroad in 1877 further facilitated development in the area, connecting Traverse County to larger markets and allowing for the transportation of goods.

The county experienced rapid growth during this time, with several towns and villages being established. Brown's Valley, the oldest town in the county, became an important trading post and served as the county seat until 1915 when the honor was transferred to Wheaton, the current county seat.

Throughout the 20th century, Traverse County faced some economic challenges, including a decline in population and farming as mechanization reduced the need for labor. However, the county has worked to diversify its economy and attract new industries. Today, Traverse County is known for its agricultural production, manufacturing, and outdoor recreational opportunities, including the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge and nearby lakes for fishing and boating.

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

  • 1858: Traverse County is established and organized as a county.
  • 1872: The first post office is established in Wheaton, the county seat of Traverse County.
  • 1876: The first railroad, the Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad, is completed in Traverse County.
  • 1878: The county's first newspaper, the Traverse County Register, is published.
  • 1890: The population of Traverse County reaches its peak at over 10,000 residents.
  • 1923: The county courthouse, a historic building in Wheaton, is completed.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits Traverse County, causing economic hardship for many residents.
  • 1950s: The population of Traverse County begins to decline as people move to urban areas.
  • 1970s: Agricultural practices in the county shift towards larger farms and mechanization.
  • 1999: The Traverse County Historical Society is founded to preserve the county's history.