Atlas of Nicollet County, Minnesota, 1927. Title page names Anderson Publishing Co. as the publisher. The atlas contains 97 pages of color maps of all 13 Nicollet County townships, individual states, the United States, the countries of the world, a Farmers Directory, and an analysis of the System of U. S. Land Surveys.
Plat book of Nicollet County, Minnesota, 1899. Title page names North West Publishing Co., and states that information was compiled from county records and actual surveys. The book includes 31 pages of color maps of all 13 Nicollet County townships, its 8 cities and villages, a map of the United States, a map of Minnesota, an outline map of Nicollet County, a description of the system of government surveys, road laws of Minnesota, Kansas, and Nebraska, and a patrons' directory (3 pages).
Map of Nicollet County, Minnesota, 1885. Cover names Haynes & Woodard as the publishers. The book contains 22 pages of color maps of all 13 Nicollet County townships. This is one of two versions of this atlas in the collection of the Nicollet County Historical Society. Some of the individual township maps have been cut into two sections in order to attach them to blank pages. Some of the individual township maps of the second atlas have been presented in a different manner than those found in this atlas. Some of the maps in the second atlas have been folded. Because of the cuts and folds, the use of both atlases is required in order to be able to read all of the names of the rural property owners.
Atlas and Farm Directory of Nicollet County, Minnesota, 1913. Title page names Webb Publishing Co. as the publisher and Anderson Publishing Co. as the compiler. The atlas contains 18 pages of color maps of all 13 Nicollet County townships, Nicollet County, the State of Minnesota, the United States, and a Farmers Directory.
Map of Nicollet County, Minnesota, 1885. Cover names Haynes & Woodard as the publishers. The atlas contains 13 color maps of all 13 Nicollet County townships. This is the second of two versions of this atlas in the collection of the Nicollet County Historical Society. Individual township maps of this second atlas have been presented in a different manner than those found in the first atlas. Most of the maps in this atlas have been folded. Because of cuts in the first atlas and folds in this atlas, the use of both atlases is required in order to be able to read all of the names of the rural property owners.
The St. Peter Company, which helped to promote and establish the community of St. Peter, conveyed to the town's residents through this document the land for a large park. The park is known as Gorman Park, and was named after Territorial Governor Willis A. Gorman, who was a member of the St. Peter Company. The document is dated January 6th, 1857.
The community of St. Peter was initially, and for a very brief time, known as Rock Bend, a name taken because of the presence of a sharp bend in the course of the Minnesota River on the east side of the settlement. The name was used probably from late in 1853 until sometime in 1854. The envelope shown here, addressed to Charles E. Flandrau (1828-1903), who was living in the area at the time, is one of only a few objects that survived with the name "Rock Bend" on it. Flandrau, himself, became a very prominent resident of the State of Minnesota. Among many other duties during his lifetime, he commanded the defenders of New Ulm in August of 1862 and later served on the Minnesota Supreme Court.
On December 27th, 1862, Phiney Wells signed this document in St. Peter to enlist in the First Mounted Rangers. Wells stated that he was born in New York and that he was 25 years and eight months old. He listed his occupation as a farmer. Wells had blue eyes, dark hair, a light complexion, and was 5 feet 10 inches tall. The document was signed by D.R. Kennedy, who was the quartermaster of the regiment. Wells was obligated to serve for up to 12 months.
This muster roll of Company E of the First Mounted Rangers dated December 10th, 1862, lists Captain Eugene St. Julien Cox of St. Peter as its commander. The roll also contains the names of additional officers and the names of non-commissioned officers. 75 men are sequentially numbered as privates, and two additional names, without numbers, were apparently added later to the list.
This document, dated May 11th, was sent to Eugene St. Julien Cox of St. Peter, who was the Captain of Company E of the First Mounted Rangers. The document addressed Cox as a major, but various records indicate that his highest rank was that of captain. Cox was ordered to include Sibley County in the sub-district for which he was responsible. He was also informed that a new squad had been organized in New Ulm, and that ""trappers report Indians plenty west of here."" The letter was sent from Mankato by Second Lieutenant and Adjutant George A. Clarke. The document appears to have an 1865 date, but Cox served from December 10, 1862, until November 11, 1863, and Clarke served from December 20, 1861, until December 20, 1864. It therefore appears that the document was sent in 1863.
Members of Captain Eugene St. Julien Cox's Company E of the First Mounted Rangers signed this document stating that they had received blankets and that they were responsible for their care and safe keeping. The document is dated November 22nd, 1862.
The Commissary Officer of the First Regiment of the Minnesota Mounted Rangers, First Lieutenant Edward D. Cobb, wrote this note to Captain Eugene St. Julien Cox, Captain of Company E of the Rangers, from Fort Snelling on March 21, 1863, in response to a request for supplies from Cox. Captain Cox had requested a number of items, including horses, tents, jackets, socks, boots, haversacks, canteens, axes, kettles, spades, mess pans, hatchets, and picks. Cobb informed Cox that some of the items were available, but that some items could not be supplied at once. He also said that Cox was to take the lame horses from his company to Fort Ridgely, where they would be inspected and certified as lame. Cox could then submit a requistion for additional horses.
This large ledger appears to have served as a record of the business printing work that was done by the St. Peter Tribune newspaper. The Tribune was published from 1860 until 1920. Most of the material in this ledger was printed during the 1870s. Business cards, letterheads from business foms, tickets to various social functions and announcements for them, and standardized forms for use in courthouses, schools, and the St. Peter State Hospital can all be found in the ledger. Most of the material concerns Nicollet County, but other counties are also represented. Among them are Brown County, Le Sueur County, and Renville County. Available records indicate that the ledger became the property of the St. Peter Herald newspaper sometime after the Tribune ceased publication. Eventually, the ledger was donated to the Nicollet County Historical Society.
Lieutenant Thomas van Etten wrote to his schoolmate, William H. Seward of Chester, New Jersey, in this 1863 letter from St. Peter, Minnesota. Van Etten was stationed at Fort Ridgely, near the western end of Nicollet County, and was serving as the fort's quartermaster. He wrote about his military duties and experiences and about people he knew in New Jersey. William H. Seward was a son of President Lincoln's Secretary of State, William H. Seward, Sr.
Lieutenant Thomas van Etten wrote to his schoolmate, William H. Seward of Chester, New Jersey, in this 1862 letter from Fort Ridgely, near the western end of Nicollet County. He wrote about his military duties and experiences and about people he knew in New Jersey. Lt. van Etten participated in the Battle of Birch Coulee and described the battle in the letter. William H. Seward was a son of President Lincoln's Secretary of State, William H. Seward, Sr.
Beginning in April 1865, the members of the St. Peter School Board kept minutes of their meetings in this ledger. The minutes provide information about the teachers, principals, and superintendents who were employed in the St. Peter school system. Records of expenses and details concerning the planning and construction of new schools can also be found. This ledger ends in June of 1899. The Nicollet County Historical Society has the next two ledgers in its collection, making records through 1944 available to researchers. Of particular interest in this ledger are the names of three men on the first page who served as governors of Minnesota. They are: Henry A. Swift (governor from July 10, 1863, to January 11, 1864), Horace Austin (governor from January 9, 1870 to January 7, 1874), and Andrew R. McGill (governor from January 5, 1887, to January 9, 1889).
This letter, dated August 26, 1862, describes the fighting between settlers and Dakota men who participated in a conflict in a southern Minnesota community, most likely in New Ulm. Wheelock also describes his experiences as a member of a burial party that ventured out into the surrounding countryside. Many dead settlers were found, as well as a group of thirteen settlers who had been hiding for three days. Wheelock states his intention to leave Minnesota if the fighting does not stop soon and if he is not able to feel that he is safe in his home.
This document contains the text of a bill that was passed by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature in 1857 to transfer the capital of Minnesota from St. Paul to St. Peter. This document has been determined to have been written at that time, but it is most likely a working copy of the document that was passed by the legislature. Joseph Rolette, a member of the legislature who was opposed to the transfer of the capitol, disappeared with the original bill and failed to return it in time for it to be properly signed by Territorial Governor Willis Gorman, who had, in the meantime, signed a copy of the document that Rolette had taken. Governor Gorman's action was declared to be illegal by a Judge R. R. Nelson, thus ending the attempt to move the capitol.
The "Governor John A. Johnsonn Grand March" was created in Johnson's honor. He died during his third term in 1909. Johnson was born in Nicollet County, and was a partner in running the St. Peter Herald newspaper prior to his election as governor.
Set of architectural drawings shows both exterior and interior features of the Nicollet Hotel in St. Peter. The hotel opened in 1873 as the Nicollet House, and was one of the finest hotels in southern Minnesota. Edward P. Bassford was the hotel's architect. The building ceased to be used as a hotel in 1974. Saved from impending demolition following the 1998 tornado in St. Peter, the building survived to become an apartment building, as well as the home of various businesses.
Looking to the south along South Minnesota Avenue in St. Peter, Minnesota, the Nicollet Hotel is visible as the tallest building on the right side of this photograph. The undated photo was taken prior to the 1887 fire that destroyed many of the buildings that are shown.
The appearance of South Minnesota Avenue has changed considerably since this photograph, which looks to the north from a location between Nassau and Grace Streets, was taken in 1968 in St. Peter, Minnesota.
Buildings along the west side of the 100 block of South Front Street are shown after a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota. The photo was taken from Levee Park, near the Park Row intersection.
The spire of Christ Chapel at Gustavus Adolphus College was knocked over by a tornado that caused extensive damage in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. This photo, which looks to the west, and was taken near the intersection of South Seventh Street and College Avenue, also shows the first building to be constructed on the college campus, Old Main.
A number of structures in the vicinity of the intersection of North Fourth and West Chestnut Streets were destroyed in a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota. This view looks mainly to the north from the intersection.
The severely damaged home of George Lesnar at 302 South Washington Avenue is visible beyond a damaged station wagon after a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota.
The Mark and Judith Ahlstrom home at 202 North Third Street suffered extensive damage from a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. The house was later restored. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ritt's Electric Center, the Skelly Service Station, and the State Theatre are among the businesses that have disappeared since this 1968 photograph was taken. The view looks to the south along South Minnesota Avenue in St. Peter, Minnesota, from a location between West Nassau and West Grace Streets.
These apartments along West Jefferson Avenue were severely damaged in a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. The Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus College is across the avenue to the north.
Property at 522 North Minnesota Avenue is shown at the far left in this photo taken after a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota. The pink house in the distance is at 520 North Third Street.
Willard and Odelia Hoehn lost their home at 522 West Evenson Street in a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. This photo looks to the east from North Washington Avenue.
The severely damaged house to the right of the center of this photo was located on the west side of South Fourth Street prior to a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. The photo was taken from West Skaro Street, near its intersection with Fourth.
A large amount of debris from a March 1998 tornado accumulated on Park Row, between South Front Street and South Minnesota Avenue in St. Peter, Minnesota, including a crumpled grain bin. The crane visible in the distance is beside the Nicollet Hotel on the Avenue.
In March of 1998, the Community Center, which was originally constructed as a high school, was destroyed by a tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota. This photo was taken from South Washington Avenue at its intersection with West Nassau Street.
An amphibious vehicle can be seen heading westward along the flooded Belgrade Avenue in North Mankato, Minnesota, in 1951. The Marigold Dairy at 216 to 220 Belgrade Avenue is along the left side of the photo, and the Mission Covenant Church at 215 Belgrade Avenue is at the far right. Texaco and Pure service stations can be seen in the distance, closer to the Minnesota River.
These homes along Center Street, across from the Tanley Field ballpark in North Mankato, Minnesota, had severe damage from the flood water of the Minnesota River in 1951.
The grain elevators of the Hubbard Milling Company in Mankato, Minnesota, can be seen in the lower right corner of this 1951 aerial photograph. The bridge across the flooded Minnesota River connected Mankato with North Mankato. Most of North Mankato, which suffered extensive flood damage, is visible in the distance.
The old water tower was removed not long after the new water tower was constructed in the early 1900s in Nicollet, Minnesota. This postcard shows both of the water towers.
These houses along Center Street in North Mankato, Minnesota, were flooded by the Minnesota River in 1951. Part of the Tanley Field ballpark can be seen at the far right of the photo.
The Municipal Building at 443 Belgrade Avenue and Howard Helgerson's service station at 503 Belgrade Avenue in North Mankato, Minnesota, were among the many businesses and residences that were flooded by the Minnesota River in 1951.
Much of North Mankato, Minnesota, was flooded by the Minnesota River in 1951, as can be seen in this aerial photo. The Tanley Field ballpark is visible in the upper left quadrant of the photo, and the grain elevators of the Hubbard Milling Company in Mankato, Minnesota appear in the upper right corner.
Boats were used for transportation in flooded North Mankato, Minnesota, in 1951. The spire of the Mission Covenant Church at 215 Belgrade Avenue can be seen in the distance. The Marigold Dairy at 216 to 220 Belgrade Avenue is visible at the far right side of the photo. Most of the city was flooded by the Minnesota River that year.
This aerial photo shows the business district along Belgrade Avenue as well as portions of the residential sections of North Mankato, Minnesota. The city was among a number of communities that suffered extensive damage from flood water from the Minnesota River in 1951. The large building at the far left side of the photo was the Marigold Dairy at 216 to 220 Belgrade Avenue.
The Marigold Dairy at 216 to 220 Belgrade Avenue in North Mankato, Minnesota, was one of many buildings flooded in that community and in other communities in 1951 by high water levels along the length of the Minnesota River.
The Public School, located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Belgrade Avenue and Center Street, was one of many structures affected by flood water from the Minnesota River in 1951 in North Mankato, Minnesota.
Taken from the bank of the flooded Minnesota River, this photo shows the bridge that connected North Mankato, Minnesota, with the city of Mankato in 1951. Across the river, the Saulpaugh Hotel and other buildings in Mankato can be seen, as well as a portion of the railroad depot.
St. Peter's Catholic Church at 600 South Fifth Street was damaged so severely in a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota, that it was not able to be repaired. This photo shows the east front and the north side of the church. At the far left, a portion of the John Ireland School building can be seen south of the church.
The St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church at 427 West Mulberry Street was severely damaged by a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. A new church was soon constructed on the same site. This photo, taken from Gorman Park, shows the south front and the west side of the damaged church.
Taken from the west side of Gorman Park, this photo looks to the north toward the remains of the Arts and Heritage Center and the Community Center beyond it in St. Peter, Minnesota. Both buildings, originally constructed as high schools, were damaged beyond repair in a March 1998 tornado.
The St. Peter Public Library at 101 West Nassau Street was destroyed by a March 1998 tornado that caused extensive damage in many parts of St. Peter, Minnesota.
Richard and Marlene Witty suffered extensive damage to their home at 318 South Washington Avenue in a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota. The house to the south, at left in this photograph, was completely destroyed.
A tornado in March of 1998 destroyed the white house at 402 North Minnesota Avenue in St. Peter, Minnesota. To the north can be seen a blue house at 420 North Minnesota Avenue.
Standing in the rubble of the gymnasium of the Community Center, a news crew from KARE11 Television interviews a resident after a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. South Washington Avenue is to the left of the cameraman, who is pointing his camera toward West Nassau Street.
This house at 522 North Minnesota Avenue was damaged so severely by a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota, that it was not able to be repaired.
The remains of the Arts and Heritage Center at 320 South Fifth Street are shown after a tornado damaged many structures in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. The building was constructed in 1870 as the community's first high school. This photograph shows the west side of the building.
The home of Willard and Odelia Hoehn at 522 West Evenson Street in St. Peter, Minnesota, was destroyed by a tornado in March of 1998. This photo was taken near the intersection of West Evenson and North Washington Avenue. The roof and the west side of the Hoehn home were removed by the strong wind.
A tornado in March of 1998 destroyed the Arts and Heritage Center in St. Peter, Minnesota. Originally constructed as the community's first high school in 1870, it was located on the northwest corner of the intersection of South Fifth and West Grace Streets, facing Grace. The building to the right was built in 1907 as a more modern high school. It served as the Community Center in 1998.
A crumpled grain bin lies among other debris on Park Row, between South Front Street and South Minnesota Avenue after a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota. A crane is in use at the Nicollet Hotel, which is visible in the distance across the avenue.
A large amount of debris is visible in front of a house on the west side of the 600 block of North Minnesota Avenue after a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. The white house in the center of the photo was at 522 North Minnesota Avenue.
The Community Center was damaged so severely in a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota, that it was not able to be repaired. The narrow east front of the building on the 300 block of South Fifth Street and the long section on the south side of West Nassau Street are shown in this photograph.
This house on North Third Street was destroyed by a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. A portion of the municipal swimming pool building can be seen in the distance at the far left.
The remains of the Arts and Heritage Center at 320 South Fifth Street are visible at the far right after a tornado damaged many structures in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. The building in the background was then being used as the Community Center. Both buildings were originally constructed as high schools.
A home that was located on the southeast corner of the intersection of North Fourth and West Chestnut Streets was completely destroyed by a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. Other houses shown in this photo on the west side of North Fourth Street survived, including those at 110 North Fourth, 116 North Fourth, and 122 North Fourth.
From left to right, the following businesses are shown in flooded North Mankato, Minnesota, in 1951: the Urban Cafe and the Urban Lanes bowling alleys at 243 to 247 Belgrade Avenue, the Jaehn and Buck barber shop at 249 Belgrade Avenue, the R and J Liquor Store at 253 Belgrade Avenue, and Spinner's Bar at 301 Belgrade Avenue. Most of the city was flooded by the Minnesota River that year.
St. Peter's Catholic Church at 600 South Fifth Street was damaged so severely in a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota that it was not able to be repaired. This photo shows the east side of the church.
The west end of the Community Center, which contained a gymnasium, lost its roof in a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. The structures on that block, bordered by South Washington Avenue and West Nassau, South Fifth, and West Grace Streets, were damaged beyond repair.
Looking northward from the west end of the Community Center, two members of the National Guard are shown surrounded by debris from a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota. The St. Peter Community Hospital is visible at the far left.
The Arts and Heritage Center, originally constructed in 1870 as the city's first high school, was destroyed by a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. It was located on the northwest corner of the intersection of South Fifth and West Grace Streets, facing Grace. The building at the far right was built in 1907 as a more modern high school. It was being used as the Community Center when the tornado destroyed it.
The white house at 402 North Minnesota Avenue was completely destroyed in a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. The blue house in the distance is at 420 North Minnesota Avenue.
The American Legion Post 37, the Flame Bar, Johnson & Hoehn LTD, Pell's Insurance and Real Estate, the Brandt Law Office, and the Dahleen and O'Brien Dental Office along the north side of the 200 block of West Nassau Street were among many structures that suffered varying degrees of damage from a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota.
The home of Mark and Judith Ahlstrom at 202 North Third Street was extensively damaged by a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. The house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was later restored.
The lumber yard of the St. Peter Lumber Company was extensively damaged in March of 1998 by a tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota. This photo was taken from the east side of the 200 block of South Front Street, looking across Front Street.
Looking across Gorman Park from West Grace Street, the severely damaged St. Peter's Catholic Church at 600 South Fifth Street is visible in the distance after a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota. A Community Center was later constructed on the site.
The St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church at 427 West Mulberry Street was severely damaged by a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. A new church was soon constructed on the same site. The trees at the far right were in Gorman Park.
The spire of the Nicollet County Courthouse was destroyed by a tornado in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota. From left to right on the east side of South Minnesota Avenue are the following buildings: the former Armory, the former St. Peter Public Library, the Courthouse, and the Nicollet County Jail.
The historic E. St. Julien Cox house at 500 North Minnesota Avenue, owned by the Nicollet County Historical Society, was damaged in a March 1998 tornado in St. Peter, Minnesota. It was repaired and continues to be used for various functions by the Society. The Cox family's carriage house to the north was also repaired.
This photograph shows people waiting at the railroad depot near St. Peter, Minnesota, for the train that will take area men away to serve in World War One. This depot served St. Peter, but was located in Le Sueur County, on the east side of the Minnesota River.
The interior of the Union Presbyterian Church in St. Peter, Minnesota, is shown in this stereograph. The church, which has been extensively remodeled inside, faces South Third Street on the northwestern corner of the intersection with West Locust Street.
The south end of the Americinn Motel at 700 North Minnesota Avenue is shown in this photo after a tornado caused considerable damage to the building in March of 1998 in St. Peter, Minnesota.
A map showing the proposed community of Washington, Minnesota Territory, including streets, blocks, and lots. The Minnesota River is included. Washington was to be located in Section 4, T110N, R26W in Nicollet County, Minnesota. It was surveyed by Chas. Snyder in 1858. The Minnesota River would have been at the southeastern corner of the community, and the southern boundary would have bordered a proposed canal that would have entered the river.
The Consolidated School in Nicollet, Minnesota, was a familiar sight to generations of students. The decision to consolidate district schools in the Nicollet area and to construct this school building was made in 1916. The building was demolished in 1985.
A map showing the community of Eureka, including streets, blocks, and lots. The Minnesota River is included. Eureka was located in Section 33, T109N, R28W of Nicollet County, Minnesota, and was surveyed by Daniel L. Turpin. This town did not survive the severe economic downturn that began in 1857 that affected the entire United States and the Territory of Minnesota. It can now be regarded as part of Lost Minnesota.
A map showing Union City, including streets, blocks, and lots. The town was located, or was to have been located, in Section 4, T109N, R28W of Nicollet County, Minnesota. Wm. G. Wells was the surveyor for this map, which was created in 1856 for Thomas Gunn, one of the proprietors. Very little is known about Union City, which has not survived. It can now be regarded as a part of Lost Minnesota.
A map of a proposed community named Waheoka, including streets, blocks, and lots. The Minnesota River is included. The community was apparently to be located in Nicollet County, with southern and eastern boundaries along the Minnesota River, apparently near St. Peter and Traverse des Sioux. Spring Lake, looking more like a small stream on the map, divided the community into an east section and a west section. Waheoka was surveyed by Z. Wise in 1854 for Lyman Leach and Monroe Wright.
Operators at the New Sweden Telephone Exchange used this switchboard while they served their customers. The exchange was located in New Sweden, Minnesota.
A map showing the community of McQuiston's Addition to Le Hillier City, including streets, lots, and blocks. The Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers are included. The town was to be located in Section 14, T108N, R27W of Nicollet County, Minnesota. Surveyor C. A. Chapman certified the plat of the proposed community in June of 1858. This town did not survive the severe economic downturn that began in 1857 that affected the entire United States and the Territory of Minnesota. It can now be regarded as part of Lost Minnesota.