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Fairmont in Martin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
 

Pioneer Memorial Drive
⎯⎯⎯
Fairmont

 
 
Pioneer Memorial Drive Marker image. Click for full size.
July 30, 2022
1. Pioneer Memorial Drive Marker
Inscription.
Pioneer Memorial Drive
This bridge and road marks the original route into Fairmont in the 1800's. The numerous lakes and streams made the entry difficult for travelers on horseback and on foot. In 1869 a wooden bridge was built in this location by Dr. O.P. Chubb who was also an engineer. This wooden structure was later replaced in 1915 by O.C. Gould, a five generation concrete construction company, with the present concrete bridge. This route connected with what was locally known as the "Jackson Road". This street was renamed Pioneer Drive in 1998 to reflect the historical significance of this road.

In 1915 a private group of citizens known as the Ladies Cemetery Improvement Association and local organizations took it upon themselves to build a sidewalk from the town along this route to Lakeside cemetery. The deteriorating condition of the blocks in 1996 prompted the Fairmont Early Riser's Kiwanis Club, the Martin County Historical Society and the Martin County Preservation Association to lead the effort of local citizens and organizations to preserve this part of Fairmont history.

The names of those individuals,
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organizations and memorials given in memory of Fairmont citizens who donated funds for the restoration were imprinted in the sidewalk along with the original names during the restoration in 1998. They represent a wide range of community support much like the community spirit of the pioneers who built this community.

Fairmont
1600's thru the mid 1800's - Several Indian communities lived around the lakes
1838   Arrival of the first fur traders
1856   Arrival of the first settlers
1857   Community of Fairmont organized
1862   Fort Fairmont was built at the site of the present courthouse
1869   Original bridge built by Dr. O.P. Chubb
1915   Cemetery sidewalk built
1998   Restoration and rebuilding of sidewalk

This area and sidewalk has been restored for the enjoyment of the citizens of Fairmont and surrounding areas.
 
Erected 1998 by Fairmont Area Foundation.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & ViaductsForts and CastlesRoads & VehiclesSettlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.
 
Location. 43° 39.522′ N, 94° 28.121′ W. Marker is
Fairmont Marker image. Click for full size.
July 30, 2022
2. Fairmont Marker
in Fairmont, Minnesota, in Martin County. It is on Pioneer Drive 0.1 miles north of West Lake Avenue (Interstate 90B), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fairmont MN 56031, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest 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, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Site of the Singing Oak (approx. Ό mile away); The Legend of the Singing Sisseton Oak (approx. Ό mile away); Chubb House / Dr. O. P. Chubb (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort Fairmount (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Fairmount (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. Paul's United Church of Christ (approx. 7.2 miles away); North Star (approx. 8.6 miles away); Manyaska (approx. 8.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Pioneer Memorial Drive / Fairmont Marker image. Click for full size.
July 30, 2022
3. Pioneer Memorial Drive / Fairmont Marker
of all markers in Fairmont.
 
Fairmont / Pioneer Memorial Drive Marker image. Click for full size.
July 30, 2022
4. Fairmont / Pioneer Memorial Drive Marker
Pioneer Drive Bridge image. Click for full size.
July 30, 2022
5. Pioneer Drive Bridge
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2022. This page has been viewed 321 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 31, 2022.
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Jul. 11, 2026