Near Lanesboro in Fillmore County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Minnesota's Norwegian Americans
As these farming settlements grew, newcomers moved on to the prairies of central and western Minnesota. When the railroad reached Moorhead in 1872, Norwegian immigrants poured into the Red River Valley. The earliest and most numerous group of European settlers in the valley, they quickly became leaders of business and local affairs. Norwegian immigrants in the 1880s and 1890s found other employment as good farmland became scarce. Some pioneered commercial fishing on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Others gravitated to the cities and the iron ranges, where they worked in mills and mines and as domestic servants.
To serve their growing numbers around the state, Norwegians formed their own institutions -- schools, fraternal societies like the Sons of Norway, political organizations, businesses -- that fostered the development of a Norwegian-American culture. Novelists like O. E. Rolvaag and Martha Ostenso wrote about Norwegian-American experiences. With an active Norwegian-American press as their forum, Norwegian-Americans rose to prominence in Minnesota politics, religion, and higher education.
Immigration quotas, the Great Depression, and World War II slowed the flow of new immigrants to the state. Yet Norwegian-American culture thrives in Minnesota today, supported by such organizations and the Norwegian-American Historical Association in Northfield, thanks to an enduring interest in their heritage by Minnesota's Norwegian-Americans.
Erected 1997 by Minnesota Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.
Location. 43° 41.666′ N, 91° 59.921′ W. Marker is near Lanesboro, Minnesota, in Fillmore County. Marker is on State Highway 16, on the left when traveling east. This marker and historic wayside are located between Preston and Lanesboro, Minnesota on Minnesota Highway 16 (formerly US Route 16.) The wayside is situated at the top of the hill, just before Highway 16 winds its way down into Lanesboro and the Root River Valley. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lanesboro MN 55949, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Chatfield (approx. 13.3 miles away).
Regarding Minnesota's Norwegian Americans. The marker is aptly located, as this area of Southeastern Minnesota is widely populated by the descendants of Norwegian immigrants.
Side Note: Since the late 1970's/early 1980's this area has also hosted a thriving Amish community that, along with the Root River cycling trail, is a very popular tourist attraction.
Also see . . . Description of Inspiration Point Wayside Rest. (Submitted on June 3, 2010, by Martha Decker of Shakopee, Minnesota.)
Additional commentary.
1. Historic Inspiration Point Wayside Park
The historic Inspiration Point Roadside Parking Area was built in 1934 during the Great Depression, most likely by unemployed workers who were hired locally by the City of Lanesboro or Fillmore County and paid with either SERA or FERA funds.
The site has many of the features typically found in Minnesota's Depression era waysides, including picnic tables and walls constructed out of local stone. The view from the wayside is fantastic, overlooking the small town of Lanesboro and the Root River valley of Southeastern Minnesota. Unfortunately, the view is obscured by trees and brush throughout its intended scenic viewing area, but can still be seen from a few select spots.
— Submitted May 31, 2010, by Martha Decker of Shakopee, Minnesota.
Additional keywords. Lanesboro Old US 16 Amish Bluff Country
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2010, by Martha Decker of Shakopee, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 2,727 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 31, 2010, by Martha Decker of Shakopee, Minnesota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.