1854-1884: European-style Agriculture Takes Root
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Rice County was created in 1853. In 1854, the land was surveyed by the United States General Land Office, which led to the "land boom" of 1855. German, Norwegian and Irish immigrants flooded into the county.
The principle city at the time was Faribault, a center of industry. But most of the land of Rice County was dedicated to agriculture. As one "booster" put it:
"1st the health [of the land] is not surpassed.
2nd the best of water.
3rd soil with even the most reckless tilling cannot be exhausted for a generation and should it require a fertilizer, the country abounds in limestone in the first quality, with an abundance of wood to burn it".
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(Quote from Minnesota Pioneer, August 19th 1854)
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Click on the photos below to find out more about the early history of each site.
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Explore the prairie history by navigating the different periods of the site using the table of contents below.