Ortonville in Big Stone County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Paul Bunyan's Boat-Anchor
Legend has it that Paul Bunyan was mighty in the sport of fishing as in all else. He picked Minnesota for most of his fishing and is credited with creating more than a few of its ten thousand lakes.
Big Stone Lake, visible here to the north-west and the state's 10th largest, was one of Paul's favorites. Not only for the variety and size of its fish, but because here he found a stone heavy enough to anchor his mammoth boat. Squared roughly from the region's famous granite, it weighed 110 tons.
This legendary boat-anchor was re-discovered on the eve of Minnesota's Statehood Centennial 1958. Only a stone's throw (for Paul) of 2 miles from the foot of the lake though not as easy for 20th century technology to handle as it had been for Paul. It was hoisted forthwith to this hilltop site for a memento of the states 100th birthday.
This project made possible by the Splendid Cooperation of the Big Stone County Centennial Committee, James D. Kaercher, Chairman, The Cold Spring Granite Company, Minnesota Highway Department, City of Ortonville, and all County citizens. Orville Freeman Governor.
Erected by Big Stone County Centennial Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1958.
Location. 45° 17.816′ N, 96° 25.943′ W. Marker is in Ortonville, Minnesota, in Big Stone County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 12, 0.1 miles west of US Hwy 75. Located near the Big Stone County Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ortonville MN 56278, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Glacial Wall of Water (a few steps from this marker); Geology of Minnesota (a few steps from this marker); Big Stone County Courthouse (approx. 0.8 miles away); Ancient Exposed Rock (approx. 3.2 miles away); Welcome to Odessa (approx. 5˝ miles away); St. Pauli Lutheran Church (approx. 9 miles away); Grant County Veterans Memorial (approx. 10.7 miles away in South Dakota); American Legion Junior Baseball Monument (approx. 10.8 miles away in South Dakota). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ortonville.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2017. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 831 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 12, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.