WWI TREASURES IN THE STOREROOM

Too old to join the American army, Luther Stone enlisted in the Canadian army at Winnipeg Manitoba on March 25, 1918, just four days before his 45th birthday.

Continue reading

Bob Looks Back: 1880 Fire at the St. Peter State Hospital

Death came to more than a dozen men during the darkness of a cold November night in 1880. The men died in a fierce fire in the north wing of the St. Peter State Hospital.

Continue reading

NUMEROUS TREATY VIOLATIONS

The Dakota never saw most of the money they were owed. The reservation decreased from 50 miles on either side of the Minnesota River in 1851 to 10 miles by 1858. The treaty failed to provide a new sustainable life for the Dakota. Crop failures, lack of game, and broken

Continue reading
Millet, Francis Davis. The Signing of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux. 1905. Nicollet County Historical Society Collections.

1851 TREATY OF TRAVERSE DES SIOUX

The Treaty of Traverse des Sioux signed on July 23, 1851, was a turning point in state and national history.

Continue reading

Henry Hastings Sibley: Fur Trader, Politician, and Brigadier General

Henry Hastings Sibley was a Minnesota territory congressman, first state Governor, army General, and owner of a trading post at Traverse des Sioux.

Continue reading

Joseph Nicollet and his map

French scientist, geographer, and mathematician Joseph Nicollet led three important expeditions from 1836 through 1839. His Map of the Hydrographical Basin of the Upper Mississippi covered parts of what would become eight states, and was the first to illustrate the height of land on a map–critically important in an area

Continue reading

Bob Looks Back: The Early Years of Nicollet County Creameries

The story of the creameries in Nicollet County revolves around the butter produced during the county’s early years.

Continue reading

Fourth of July

As you celebrate today, take a moment to check out this Fourth of July photo parade. Have a happy and safe weekend!

Continue reading

Nicollet County Duo Collected Rural School Stories

Nicollet County duo collected rural school stories By Bob Sandeen, NCHS Research Assistant Beginning in the 1850s, minutes of the Nicollet County Board meetings contain written descriptions and maps that defined the boundaries of the county’s school districts as they were formed. The Nicollet County Historical Society’s archives include maps

Continue reading

Bob Looks Back: Early St. Peter Churches

Early St. Peter Churchesby Bob Sandeen, NCHS Research Assistant Many pioneer residents began holding religious services in the St. Peter area as soon as possible after their arrival, beginning in the first half of the 1850s.  The services were held in private homes, in rented spaces in commercial buildings, and

Continue reading