In their early years bridges provided essential, though often unsteady, links between southern and northern Fergus Falls.
The first bridges were made of logs such as the 1871 Cascade Street bridge. A log pier filled with rock sat in the . . . — — Map (db m260725) HM
The decision of James Fergus not to invest in Fergus Falls coupled with the Civil War and Dakota Conflict, stymied any development for much of the 1860s. Not until after the Civil War did Assistant U.S. Government surveyor George B. Wright see the . . . — — Map (db m260782) HM
What Is A Continental Divide?
A continental divide or watershed is a naturally occurring ridge on the continent that forces the separation of river systems. As rivers, streams and creeks separate, they are collected into many . . . — — Map (db m260558) HM
Federal Building
The north half of the Federal Building was built in 1903-04 using brick, stone and concrete. Renaissance Revival in style, it features a high basement of cut stone, raised brick corners, and a mix of flat, . . . — — Map (db m260784) HM
Lake Alice Has Become an Important Focal Point for the People of Fergus Falls
Lake Alice
(2 blocks west & 1 block north of this spot)
Lake Alice has been a leading attraction for residents since Fergus Falls was first . . . — — Map (db m260128) HM
The River Walk was constructed in 1987-88 through the cooperative efforts of the City of Fergus Falls, the Riverfront Association, Otter Tail Power Company, and the Fergus Falls Heritage Preservation Commission. The path stretches from Veteran's . . . — — Map (db m260722) HM
Many early industries in Fergus Falls grew up along the banks of the Otter Tail River as the water was harnessed for power. The services offered by these businesses made the city a central trading location. Among these was the Fergus Falls Woolen . . . — — Map (db m260723) HM
Erected 1895 by Charter Members
August Sandberg, Lars A. Hanson, John Hall, all buried here. First service Christmas Eve 1895. Communion was served. Candles lighted the tree. Hymns were sung to accompaniment of guitar and mandolin a . . . — — Map (db m260943) HM
Surveyor, Versatile Businessman, who founded Fergus Falls A.D. 1870, who promoted its Interests, took part in its early Activities & Controvercies, and whose Faith in "The Coming City" lent an Impetus which endures. — — Map (db m260865) HM
The heat was oppressive during the week of June 16, 1919. People opened their windows hoping to get some air while many slept on their porches instead of sweltering inside. Sunday, June 22, dawned as sticky and hot as the previous day.
By . . . — — Map (db m260860) HM
Joseph Whitford founded the Fergus Falls town site in 1857. Born of Scotch-Irish parents near Montreal, Canada, he came to Minnesota with his brother John. In 1856, Little Falls businessman James Fergus outfitted Joe and sent him to locate a . . . — — Map (db m260880) HM
Flood Control Creates a Scenic Home for Fish & Wildlife
Flood Control
Orwell Dam and Lake are part of a federal flood control and water supply project on the Otter Tail River in west central Minnesota. Orwell Dam is also . . . — — Map (db m260665) HM
Damage estimates list $4.5 million in property losses. That would translate into $120 million in today's dollars.
Day of Death & Destruction
The term "cyclone" does not mean "tornado" in the strictest sense. In 1919, the . . . — — Map (db m260089) HM
Frontiersman Joe Whitford first set foot on this spot in the winter of 1856 because a businessman named James Fergus had employed him to establish a townsite. Indians had told Whitford about a good site with "big swift water"on the Otter Tail . . . — — Map (db m260093) HM
The Otter Tail River has long played a vital role in the development of Fergus Falls, supporting flour mills, saw mills and power plants. Early maps of the area identify the river as the Red River. Ojibwe Indians called the river "Otter Tail" as far . . . — — Map (db m260857) HM
"A Last Moment for Friends"
Dedicated to the memory of the veterans from Ottertail County who gave their lives in
W.W. I ·
W.W. II ·
Korea ·
Viet Nam ·
OEF / OIF
in the service of their country
Donated by: . . . — — Map (db m262164) WM
The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center
Located at the gateway to the Prairie Pothole Region, the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center (PWLC) is the first residential environmental education facility operated by the U.S. Fish and . . . — — Map (db m260570) HM
One of the most enduring legends in Otter Tail County is that Fergus Falls stole the county seat from Otter Tail City, a once thriving town on the eastern shore of Otter Tail Lake.
On March 18, 1858, the Minnesota Territorial Legislature . . . — — Map (db m260854) HM
During the 19th century the river was the lifeline of Fergus Falls.
Before the railroad arrived, the river was a source of transportation as well as power. Flat boats traveled down stream as far north as Winnipeg with flour, wool . . . — — Map (db m260779) HM
