Alexandria in Douglas County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Knute Nelson House
Photographed by Liz Koele, January 11, 2022
1. Knute Nelson House Marker
Knute Nelson, who was known for his courage and common sense, served the people of Minnesota as a public officeholder for over 50 years. Born in Norway in 1843, he was elected to the Minnesota legislature and to two terms in the United States Congress before becoming the states first foreign-born governor in 1893. He then served with distinction for 28 years in the United States Senate, where he championed such causes as conservation, a federal income tax, and pure food and drug legislation.
A Civil War veteran, Nelson homesteaded here in Douglas County in 1871 and a year later built a simple L-shaped house. In 1915 a second story and west wing were added to the structure. It remained the Nelson family home until his death in 1923, when it was willed to the American Lutheran Church to be used for services to the aged.
Erected 1978 by Minnesota Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.
Location. 45° 52.675′ N, 95° 21.996′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Minnesota, in Douglas County. It is on Nokomis Street south
this page online
Regionally, this marker is 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 Ruperts Land and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Douglas County Courthouse (approx. 0.8 miles away); Theodore A. Erickson (approx. 0.9 miles away); Welcome to Alexandria (approx. one mile away); Red River Ox Cart Trails (approx. 3 miles away); Minnesota Watersheds (approx. 4 miles away).
Photographed by Liz Koele, January 11, 2022
2. Knute Nelson House and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2022, by Liz Koele of St. Paul, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 514 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2022, by Liz Koele of St. Paul, Minnesota. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
