Prairie Grasslands
Check out the Nominations: • Coniferous Forest Zone |
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Arlington – Megan Lundin
I think that it should be a capital for a day because it has a great community of people. I think that it would help the town in a lot of ways. I like living in Arlington.
Blue Earth – Mary Uppena
Blue Earth is a very typical example of what rural Minnesota is all about. It is a small town, but a county seat. It has had several major businesses leave, but is trying to attract new ones. Many of us have our roots deep in the area, going back for 3 or more generations. No matter how far away we may roam, we always gravitate back to home there. The Blue Earth river surrounds the town in a unique way, making the town almost an island. It is a good home town.
Crookston – Aaron Parrish
Crookston, Minnesota, is excited about the prospect of participating in the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Celebration as a ‘Capitol for a Day’ city. Even our name, ‘Crookston’, chosen to honor Colonel William Crooks, celebrates Minnesota’s history! Proximate to three continentally significant biomes, Crookston is a community with a work and a land ethic. Situated in the basin of Lake Agassiz, where huge glaciers carved the fertile Red River Valley, Crookston’s early Cree and Ojibwa natives mingled with fur traders, ox-cart drivers, lumbermen, and later railroaders. In modern times, the area emerged as a premier agricultural region adjacent to diverse tracts of rare habitat. Today Crookston builds on a tradition of educational innovation begun in 1895 when James J. Hill deeded land to establish the Northwest School of Agriculture and the Experiment Station now known as the University of Minnesota Crookston and the Northwest Research and Outreach Center.
East Grand Forks – Mayor Lynn Stauss
Why East Grand Forks should be selected for the sesquicentennial capital for a day to represent Northwest Minnesota. The City of East Grand Forks has a New City Hall built after the Flood of 1997 with offices for the Governor and staff to use. If East Grand Forks were selected, a great time to celebrate the state’s 150th anniversary would be during Heritage Days, August 14-17, 2008. During Heritage Days, there are several events such as a parade made up of floats and machinery from the past 150 years, a canoe race to honor the voyagers who traveled our river in the early days, and ending with a large fireworks display to bring family and friends together. The City of East Grand Forks plans on bringing 50 cattle including horses, oxen, and cows to signify the early years. Please consider East Grand Forks as Capital for the day.
Fergus Falls – Karen L. Terry
Fergus Falls and its surrounding area is a beautiful community that is representative of the prairie pothole region of Minnesota. A highlight in the area is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, a residential environmental education facility. Fergus Falls has also preserved numerous municipal parks as green space, and the Otter Tail River runs through the heart of the region. Other highlights in the area include Glendalough State Park, Maplewood State Park, and thousands of acres of public land (both state and federal) that offer endless opportunities for outdoors enjoyment in all seasons. The people of the area are welcoming and eager to show off the place they call home, and there are ample facilities to accommodate meeting spaces as well as restaurants and lodging options.
Fort Ridgely (State Park) – Loran Kaardal
Fort Ridgely was sentinel of the prairie biome from 1853 until it was decommissioned in 1867. It was the site of a major battle in the Conflict of 1862. It was been a state park for almost 100 years. It is the right location from which to start the cultural healing process that has been put off far too long. It would make a wonderful gateway to the state's first heritage area.
Georgetown – Kathy Richards
I am nominating Georgetown to be a Capitol for a day because of its long history in the state. As the oldest community in Clay County, we have a history with the Hudson Bay Company, the ox cart trails from St. Paul, and the ferry crossing. We would like to share this history with others in the state. We are a small community and proud of our heritage. Our community is working hard to preserve this history and to keep our community viable. As we are making plans for Minnesota’s sesquicentennial events, we are also making our own plans for our sesquicentennial in 2009. We are doing extensive research on the pioneers and businesses that settled in our area, the schools, churches, government, and the disasters that affected our community. Please consider Georgetown as a Capitol for the day and travel the same trails many of our ancestors traveled.
Herman – Mrs. Werk’s 6th Grade Class
There are many reasons why we feel Herman would represent the prairie grasslands area well. Herman is known as the "Bachelor" capital of Minnesota which still draws some tourists to our town. Our major industry is diversified farming, including wheat, corn, sugarbeets, beans and hay. Farming takes place mainly in the spring and fall leaving time to enjoy the many lakes and great outdoors that we have in this area. We are also very fortunate to still have our own school with small class sizes. Because of our size we benefit from much individual attention and a variety of hands on activities.
Holmes City – Kathy Johnson
I would like to nominate the village of Holmes City, Minnesota to be a "State Capitol for the Day". The village of Holmes City will celebrate 150 years in 2008. On June 21 we are planning a parade, music, food, dancing and visiting. The day will end with fireworks over beautiful Grant Lake. In August 1858, three adventurous young men, Holmes, Grant and Sanford arrived at the spot where the village of Holmes City now stands. Holmes and Grant established a trading post on the lake. Holmes City village was named for Mr. Holmes and Grant Lake was named in honor of Noah Grant. Holmes City is located in Holmes City Township, Douglas County. The village of Holmes City never had the stage line passing through and the railroad never came - the village was never even incorporated, but it has SURVIVED. Today the population totals 60!! Descendants of several of the earliest settlers still live in the area. My great great grandfather and grandmother with several members of their family settled in Holmes City Township in 1865. We are very proud of our heritage and the beautiful area settled so many years ago. Even though we are small we believe we are what the great state of Minnesota is made of!
Kandijohi County – Andria Olson
In 1858, Governor Henry Sibley appointed a commission to find the ideal state capitol site. The commission reported the only possible site was at Kandiyohi Townsite. In 1861, Representative Sibley introduced a bill to remove the capitol from St. Paul to Kandiyohi; the bill was defeated. It was again defeated in 1869 when Governor Marshal vetoed the bill appointing Kandiyohi as Minnesota’s official state capitol. With lakes, rolling hills, prairies, and farmland, Kandiyohi County possesses a beautiful small town atmosphere with the opportunities of a large metropolitan area. As capitol, the Historical Society hopes to present lifestyles of 150 years ago by possibly staging a reenactment that engages visitors in learning various aspects of pioneer life. Additionally, a heritage day embracing crafters and artisans provides a living history to audiences of all ages. Come and see what Sibley’s commission saw, the natural beauty still exists!
Kensington – Donald ‘Al’ Lieffort
A small farm three miles north of Kensington is the origin one of the most famous legends in Minnesota; Olof Ohman's discovery of the Kensington Rune Stone. The far ranging effects of this event are evident in the hundreds of business uses of the word "Runestone", indeed, the entire "Viking" fascination in our our State can find it's roots here. The community is perched on the edge of the Alexandria glacial moraine providing a "window on the west" to the grassland prairies that begin near this transition zone. Capital For a Day would, without doubt, provide a valuable spark for an initiative of the Kensington Runestone Park Foundation aimed at creating a vital tourism destination in this rather out of the way small town.
Mahnomen – Mitchell Berg
The City of Mahnomen embraces not just Minnesota’s agrarian history and its rich farming history, but also embraces Minnesota’s rich past shared with the residents of the White Earth Nation, home to the largest Chippewa nation in Minnesota. On a regional significance to the east of Mahnomen lays the headwater of the mighty Mississippi River, along with a significant drainage divide, separating two watershed areas between the Mississippi and the Hudson Bay. To the west lays the rich farming fertile valley of the Red River and to the North, the great plains of Canada. Furthermore, built to serve the railroad, similar to many Minnesota rural communities, Mahnomen has continued to thrive as a small regional center for the region. Therefore, as a quintessential Minnesota rural community the City, Mahnomen County, and the White Earth Nation would be honored to be named ‘Capital for a Day’ as part of Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial celebration.
Milan – Erik Thompson
Milan, gateway to Lac qui Parle and the Minnesota River Valley, showcases the efforts of small (350 people) towns to thrive amid challenging trends. Annual 17th of May celebration continues traditions of early immigrants, yet town hosts 50 new Micronesian immigrants. Opjorden family has been collecting weather data for over 100 years. Arv Hus museum displays historical photographs of natural and man-made environments. Recognized as Minnesota's Capital Community in 2006. Great Folks!
Montevideo/Lac qui Parle Mission – Patrick J. Moore
Before there was a state or even Fort Snelling, there was Fort Renville on the shores of Lac qui Parle. When Joseph Nicollet came in 1838 on a mission to map the Upper Midwest region, he came to Lac qui Parle to gain the blessing of Joseph Renville – the man who served to bridge the Euro American and Native cultures. The region near Montevideo and Fort Renville once served as the crossroads of commerce, culture and civilization. The Dakota War of 1862 came to an end here at Camp Release. Montevideo is uniquely suited to serve as capitol for a day to represent the Prairie Grassland region for the Sesquicentennial. From this historic river town, one can explore our rich Scandinavian and Native American heritage, visit Chippewa City, Swenson Farm Museum and the Lac qui Parle Mission site. The producers of the movie Sweet Land found the Montevideo area to be exceptionally hospitable, uniquely authentic and charming, and the officials and media visiting this city will too.
Moorhead – Mark Voxland
In the heart of the Red River Valley, formed by the glacial Lake Agassiz, lies Moorhead, Minnesota. Moorhead became an early agricultural and transportation hub during railroad’s westerly expansion that diversified the local economy and provided opportunity for its residents. Today, Moorhead continues to enjoy the benefits of its geographic location and robust population growth, as noted by value-added agriculture, such as Busch Agricultural Resources, Inc., the headquarters of American Crystal Sugar Company, and a renewed downtown commercial and residential corridor. Located on Minnesota’s western border, Moorhead is a preeminent educational community, boasting three premier post-secondary institutions, including Minnesota State University Moorhead, Concordia College, and Minnesota State Community and Technical College. The cultural heritage was most influenced by the pioneering spirit of Scandinavian immigrants, vividly illustrated in recent times by the construction and sailing of the Viking ship, Hjemkomst, which is now displayed at the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center.
New Ulm – Mike Lemmer
New Ulm is a unique community. Preserving it's German heritage, it reflects a large portion of Minnesota's ancestral heritage. Highlights include the Hermann the German monument, the John Lind House, the August Schell Brewery, the Glockenspiel, a historic downtown district, and more. With it's numerous festivals throughout the year, the people of New Ulm are a fun-loving, yet hard-working people that exemplify the spirit of the state. It is by far the town most worthy of being named "Capital For A Day," and the activities that would surround that day would set a high bar for the rest of the state.
Redwood County – Linda Sullivan
Welcome to Redwood County, Capitol for a day! Located along the MN River Scenic Byway of Southwestern MN, Redwood County is rich in agriculture, rural communities, beautiful scenery, and historical sites such as Laura Ingalls Wilder and Dakota Conflict. Dependable labor force, excellent schools, churches and busy rural lifestyle embracing cultural change insure communities working together to benefit all. Unique shops & stores in small communities of Redwood County, various activities, and area celebrations entertain visitors and residents. The Heart of MN Agriculture, well-kept farms and city properties reflect the pride forefathers installed in future generations. The county seat, the city of Redwood Falls boasts the largest municipal City Park in Minnesota. Alexander Ramsey Park contains 217 acres of river valley woodland along Ramsey Creek and the Redwood River, with paved hiking trails, zoo, campground, playgrounds, shelters, and picnic areas. Redwood County----proof of the best Minnesota has to offer!
Saint Peter – Lindsey Kolek
Saint Peter is a great place to live. It's a small community where you feel safe walking the streets. River Rock is the best coffee shop. It's a great place to relax and do homework or just sit around and talk with friends. Our community is pretty connected and there are activities going on for people of all ages. Our football team may only win one game a year, but the stands are filled at every game. School spirit is present all through town and we are willing to help a hand if our neighbor is in trouble. We banded together when we had the 1998 tornado that devastated many lives. And lets not forget that way back when St. Peter WAS going to be the capital! So if you want to choose a city that is worthy of any honor, choose St. Peter.
Sleepy Eye – Julie Schmitt
Sleepy Eye will celebrate the opening of their new Lake Trail in the spring of 2008. In the midst of prairie grasslands, fields of corn and one of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes, the trail entices visitors and residents to take part in healthy activities, enjoy the nature, scenery, and climate and celebrate a new attraction for the community.
Tenney – MaryAlice Mowry
This prairie grassland city has been identified as the smallest town in MN and the smallest statutory city in the United States. It was a part of Lake Agassiz, a prehistoric glacial lake. The first house was built in 1887, and the city was incorporated in 1901. Although the population has been declining since 1920, Tenney perseveres today. The population has risen for the first time since the 2000 census to go from 4 people to 6. The Tenney Fire Hall is listed on Nat'l Register of Historic Places. This 2 1/2 block city should be awarded due to its immense pride of community and perseverance over time. I look forward to many Minnesotans visiting Tenney when the residents host "Minnesota Sesquicentennial Capitol of the Day".
Watson – Loisjean Fossen
Watson is the Goose capital of the United States. Excellent hunting in our area. One of the oldest elevators and a town hall over 100 years old.
Worthington – Gary Crippen
Worthington is remarkably representative of Minnesota’s prairie grasslands and the history of this part of the state. Like its neighbors immediately to the east and northeast, Nobles County is blessed with deep, fertile soil – from border to border, relatively flat and tillable land. Today, Worthington is a primary stop on Interstate 90 and Minnesota 60; a century ago, it was the intersection of two major national rail lines, one across Southern Minnesota, the other a vital line across Minnesota from St. Paul to Omaha. The city is the unique commercial center for over nine counties. It has the largest array of medical providers in Southwestern Minnesota. In 1936, the city was a leader in the nation in forming Worthington Junior College, now a core part of the state college system in the area. And more: historic Lake Okabena, over one dozen nationalities, a regional daily newspaper and YMCA, twenty churches, and major industries.