Willmar Township in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Grasshopper Plague

August 26, 2023

1. Grasshopper Plague Marker

Inscription. Swarms of grasshoppers invaded this county in July 1876, destroyed two-thirds of the crop, and laid millions of eggs. A grain farm at this site was owned by Paul Willmar (son of Leon Willmar, after whom the city was named). Willmar and other farmers tried, among other things, digging trenches to bury the hoppers. In 1877 grasshoppers ate the newly emerging grain. Farmers were left destitute, and the State Legislature passed "The Law to Furnish Seed Grain for Grasshopper Sufferers" in 1878. Part of the former Willmar farm eventually became the State Hospital Farm, opened in 1912 and later called the Regional Treatment Center.

Erected 2002 by Austin F. Hanscom Legion Post 167 of Willmar, the Federal Highway Administration, and Kandiyohi County, for the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway Project.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Disasters • Environment. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1876.

Location. 45° 8.903′ N, 95° 1.184′ W. Marker is near Willmar, Minnesota, in Kandiyohi County. It is in Willmar Township. It is on 26th Avenue Northeast (County

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Highway 24) west of U.S. 71B, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Willmar MN 56201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Minnesota

and specifically 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Foot Cabin (approx. 0.4 miles away); Veteran's Memorial (approx. one mile away); C.C.C. Worker (approx. one mile away); Robbins Island (approx. 1.4 miles away); Engine 2523 (approx. 1.7 miles away); District #18 Schoolhouse (approx. 1.7 miles away); Judge Qvale Cabin (approx. 1.7 miles away); The History of Kaffe Fest (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willmar.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Great Northern Railway Engine

Grasshopper Plague Marker, from the east image. Click for full size.

August 26, 2023

2. Grasshopper Plague Marker, from the east

No. 2523 (was approx. 1.7 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Grasshopper Plague Marker, from the west image. Click for full size.

August 26, 2023

3. Grasshopper Plague Marker, from the west

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2023. This page has been viewed 412 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 30, 2023.