Madelia in Watonwan County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

To the Citizenry of Madelia – 1876

Photographed By McGhiever, July 22, 2022

1. To the Citizenry of Madelia – 1876 Marker

Inscription.

On September 21, 1876, Asle Oscar Sorbel, a seventeen year old Madelia farm boy, alerted Sheriff James Glispin and Captain W.W. Murphy that the Northfield bank robbers were near. Almost a hundred citizens responded to the call for volunteers. In the desperate gun battle which followed one robber was killed and the three Younger Brothers were captured. This marked the end of the Younger Brothers–James Brothers gang which had terrorized the midwest for over ten years. To the memory of the brave citizens of Madelia this marker is dedicated.

Erected 1979 by Madelia Chamber of Commerce and the National Association and Center for Outlaw and Lawman History.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is September 21, 1876.

Location. 44° 3.07′ N, 94° 25.16′ W. Marker is in Madelia, Minnesota, in Watonwan County. Marker is at the intersection of Benzel Avenue Northwest and W Main Street (County Highway 3), on the right when traveling north on Benzel Avenue Northwest. The marker is at the northwest corner of the Madelia Chamber of Commerce, which bears a mural of the capture of the Younger Brothers on its west façade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 127 W Main Street, Madelia MN 56062, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Watonwan County's First Courthouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Cox (about 700 feet away); Truss Bridge #6527 (approx. ¾ mile away); Ole Boxrud (approx. 5.4 miles away); Rosendale Church (approx. 5.9 miles away); Asle Sorbel's Ride (approx. 7.1 miles away); John Armstrong (approx. 7.1 miles away); Site of Capture of the Younger Brothers (approx. 7½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madelia.

Marker and mural on the west façade of the Madelia Chamber of Commerce building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By McGhiever, July 22, 2022

2. Marker and mural on the west façade of the Madelia Chamber of Commerce building

Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2022, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 240 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 3, 2022, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.