Near Hanska in Brown County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Omsrud Thordson Torgrimson Log Cabin
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, June 20, 2013
1. Omsrud Thordson – Torgrimson Log Cabin Marker
This log cabin was built about 1857 by the Omsrud/Thordson and Torgrimson families, immigrants from Valdres, Norway. It originally stood on the Thord Omsrud farm on the shores of Omsrud Lake. The cabin was moved to this site in 1986 by the Omsrud-"Kolbrenner" clan, represented by the Levord, Ole, Tiedeman, Guttorm, Iver Thordson, and Torgrim Torgrimson families.
The cabin stands as a memorial to all Norwegian pioneers who were the first Europeans to permanently settle in this part of Brown County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 44° 7.408′ N, 94° 33.317′ W. Marker is near Hanska, Minnesota, in Brown County. It can be reached from County Road 11 1.1 miles north of County Road 6, on the left when
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Minnesota and specifically in the Minnesota River Valley. 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 Ruperts Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lake Hanska (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lake Hanska Pioneer / Lake Hanska County Park (about 400 feet away); Norwegian Stabbur (approx. 3.4 miles away); World War Memorial (approx. 3.4 miles away); Hanska (approx. 3½ miles away); The Godahl Store (approx. 4.3 miles away); Site of Capture of the Younger Brothers (approx. 4.3 miles away); John Armstrong (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hanska.
Also see . . .
1. Lake Hanska Park Overview. The Omsrud-Torgrimson log cabin was the first log cabin built in this area. (Submitted on July 2, 2013.)
2. Fort Hill / Fort Hanska Site. "Also known as Fort Hill; Fort Hanska; Synsteby Mounds and Village Site... The hills proved to be an ideal place for a fort, constructed of sod and logs, to help protect settlers in 1863, after the Uprising in 1862." (Submitted on July 2, 2013.)
Additional keywords. Fort Slocum; Fort Hanska; Fort Hill
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, June 20, 2013
2. Omsrud Thordson – Torgrimson Log Cabin Marker
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, June 20, 2013
3. Omsrud Thordson – Torgrimson Log Cabin and Marker
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, June 20, 2013
4. Omsrud Thordson – Torgrimson Log Cabin
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, June 20, 2013
5. Omsrud Thordson – Torgrimson Log Cabin
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, June 20, 2013
6. Omsrud Thordson – Torgrimson Log Cabin
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, June 20, 2013
7. Nearby Dugout
National Register of Historic Places #75000976
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, June 20, 2013
8. The Dugout
This is one of the dugouts where the early settlers sought safety from the Indians. They came here to sleep at night to be near the soldiers at Fort Hanska. Donated by: The Kjelshus Families.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,156 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 2, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
