Willmar in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Berger Thorson Killed
August 26, 2023
1. Berger Thorson Killed Marker
Inscription.
Berger Thorson Killed. . Berger Thorson was the first resident of what is now the city of Willmar. Little is known of the man except that he raised cattle and sometimes herded cattle for other settlers. On August 20, 1862 a Dakota war party surprised him near his cabin and, because they did not wish to alarm other settlers, killed him with a hatchet. Andrew Nelson, who had been herding cattle with Thorson, escaped through the herd and warned the Diamond Lake settlers of possible attack. Thorson's cabin stood on what is now North Seventh Street and Olaf Avenue in Willmar, one fourth mile south of this spot.
Berger Thorson was the first resident of what is now the city of Willmar. Little is known of the man except that he raised cattle and sometimes herded cattle for other settlers. On August 20, 1862 a Dakota war party surprised him near his cabin and, because they did not wish to alarm other settlers, killed him with a hatchet. Andrew Nelson, who had been herding cattle with Thorson, escaped through the herd and warned the Diamond Lake settlers of possible attack. Thorson's cabin stood on what is now North Seventh Street and Olaf Avenue in Willmar, one fourth mile south of this spot.
Erected by the family of John O. Larson in memory of his service to the people of Kandiyohi County, as county commissioner and historical society board member.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is August 20, 1862.
Location. 45° 7.84′ N, 95° 3.237′ W. Marker is in Willmar, Minnesota, in Kandiyohi County. Marker is on 7th Street Northwest (County Highway 41) 0.1 miles north of Park Avenue Northwest, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Willmar MN 56201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2023. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 31, 2023.
