Rochester in Olmsted County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Olmsted County Historical Society
⎯⎯⎯
Our Pioneer Heritage

The Olmsted County Historical Society Marker image. Click for full size.

July 30, 2021

1. The Olmsted County Historical Society Marker

Inscription. The Olmsted County Historical Society was organized in Rochester on January 25, 1926. The first officers were: Burt W. Eaton, President; Mrs. Jay E. Benedict, Vice-president; Lester J. Fiegel, Treasurer; Henry O. Christiansen, Secretary. For nearly a decade the new society's activities were represented by the efforts of a few interested individuals.

In 1935, a project of gathering material for the Historical Society's collection was sponsored by the Rochester Business and Women's Club. A formal presentation of the articles was made to the society on April 26, 1937. However, being without museum facilities the articles were stored for several years.

On February 10, 1940, the Society's museum, under the direction of Mrs. Bunn T. Willson, was established in the basement of the then new Rochester Public Library. For the next 17 years the society increased its activities of collecting and preserving the history of Olmsted County.

In January 1957, the society purchased its present headquarters, and held its formal opening February 22, 1959. The history of the society is marked by outstanding service of many individuals,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

such as: Burt W. Eaton, President, 1926-41; Lester J. Fiegel, Treasurer, 1926-51; and Mrs. Bunn Willson, President, 1941-47 and Director 1947-59.

The Historical Society dedicates its efforts to preserve the history of Olmsted County to its pioneer fathers and to the young men of Olmsted County who have given their lives in the service of their country.

Our Pioneer Heritage The great westward migration of Americans which took place during the nineteenth century marked more than the settlement of a new land. It gave witness to the birth of a new and unique breed of men. Perhaps no Americans met the challenge of their era so well as did our pioneer fathers. Olmsted County shares in the great traditions of this pioneer heritage. From the shores of the Atlantic, from New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana came her first citizens, and here in the valley of the Zumbro, in the land of the North Star, they built their homes and raised their families. The way of life we enjoy had its beginning here in the crude log cabins that dotted the countryside.

From the days of the frontier, from the era of the ox-cart and covered wagon, from

Our Pioneer Heritage Marker image. Click for full size.

July 30, 2021

2. Our Pioneer Heritage Marker

the days of the Indian Wars, come reflections which make us feel humbly grateful for their sacrifice and courage.

To their memory this marker is dedicated.

Erected 1959 by Mr. and Mrs. George M. Lowery as a memorial to the Lowery, Graham and Brackenridge Pioneer Families.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is January 25, 1926.

Location. 44° 0.383′ N, 92° 30.56′ W. Marker is in Rochester, Minnesota, in Olmsted County. It is on West Circle Drive (County Road 22 SW) 1.7 miles west of U.S. 52, on the right when traveling south. Located at the History Center of Olmsted County in Rochester. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rochester MN 55902, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Minnesota.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At

The Olmsted County Historical Society Marker at the History Center of Olmsted County image. Click for full size.

July 30, 2021

3. The Olmsted County Historical Society Marker at the History Center of Olmsted County

least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Early Rural School (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The William Dee Log Cabin (about 500 feet away); Mayowood (approx. 1.2 miles away); Saint Marys Hospital (approx. 1.7 miles away); Mayo Clinic Site (approx. 1.8 miles away); Dr. William J. Mayo House (approx. 2 miles away); Donald Church Balfour House (approx. 2 miles away); Roosevelt Honors Mayos (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.

Our Pioneer Heritage Marker at the History Center of Olmsted County image. Click for full size.

July 30, 2021

4. Our Pioneer Heritage Marker at the History Center of Olmsted County

Building Erection Marker at the History Center of Olmsted County Entrance image. Click for full size.

July 30, 2021

5. Building Erection Marker at the History Center of Olmsted County Entrance

"Building Erected
1973
by the
Olmsted County Historical Society
with the support of
Board of Commissioners of Olmsted County
and the
People of Olmsted County"

Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2021. This page has been viewed 359 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 4, 2021. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.

The Olmsted County Historical Society⎯⎯⎯Our Pioneer Heritage

The Olmsted County Historical Society
⎯⎯⎯
Our Pioneer Heritage