Chippewa City was "laid out" in 1868 by Daniel G. Wilkins on the west bank of the Chippewa River, a mile upstream from its confluence with the Minnesota River. Chippewa City was the first community in Chippewa County, serving as its first county seat. The Chippewa City post office was served by route from Ft. Ridgely.

In 1870, Montevideo was platted on the east bank of the Chippewa River. When a legislative order gave Montevideo the county seat in 1870, Chippewa City soon ceased to exist. Chippewa City's original location has since been incorporated into Montevideo's city limits and is now known as Smith Addition. Historic Chippewa City was begun in 1965 with the preservation of a rural school house. Since that time, 24 buildings have been moved in from throughout the county or built on site to form this historic village. We invite you to enjoy your private stroll into yesteryear. The following descriptive will guide you through your visit to Historic Chippewa City.

1. Upon your arrival to Historic Chippewa City you will enter the Gateway Building, home to the Anderson Interpretive Center, Chippewa County Historical Society's Library, Resource Center, Gift Shop and offices. This structure was originally built in 1980 with additions constructed in 1989, 1995 and 1997.

2. The Millinery and Dress Shop is located directly to your right as you exit the Gateway Building. This building is a remodeled addition from the Bailey & Woodward Bath and Shine, with the rear addition added later. Inside please note the 1861 sewing machine, one of the first lock-stitch machines that ran material from left to right; as well as dress forms, dress maker charts and a variety of women's and children's clothing and hats.

3. The Print Shop was originally a composite of a garage and small pump house located beyond the City of Montevideo's pumping station. This unique building contains a linotype, typewriters, typesetter stand with trays of type, presses and a stapling machine.

5. The Fire Department, once an old school house located 7 miles north of Montevideo, was home to District 72. Inside, a fully restored 1914 Seagraves Fire Engine finds it's home as well as a variety of fire fighting equipment. The Fire Engine still participates in numerous parades throughout the county. We urge you to ring the bell, located outside of the building.

6. Originally located at Nichols Avenue in Montevideo, the Browns Brother Fuel and Ice was moved to Historic Chippewa City from River Road in August of 1965. The sign is the original sign when the building was located at Nichols Avenue. Inside you will find a variety of ice cutting tools, coal carrying bags and ice tongs.

7. Constructed on site for storage of building supplies, the Buggy Shop now contains an 1880 horse drawn hearse, two seated covered buggy, cutter and surrey. Entrance to this building is gained through the Fuel and Ice Building.

8. Brought to Historic Chippewa City in 1975, the Post Office was the original Reeser Post Office located three miles northeast of Watson. Built in 1870 by Hans O. Lund, the Reeser Post Office served the Watson area until 1880 when a post office was established in Watson. Inside a hand made loom and post office boxes, donated from the Watson Post Office, are on display.

11. Originally a school house, this building was moved into Big Bend to serve as a cafe when the railroad, which never came, was expected. Moved to Historic Chippewa City in August, 1965 the General Store is home to a variety of artifacts including counter scales, account book, chopping block, cheese cutter, toys, dishes and coffee grinder.

12. Once an old granary located 5 miles east of Montevideo, the Harness Shop was equipped by Jorgen Johnsrud's (a harness shop owner in Montevideo in 1906) son, Selmer Johnsrud; and Bryant Spencer, also a harness makers son. Inside please note the harness oiling tank, harness makers "horses", sleigh bells, harnesses, harness making tools and fly nets.

13. Two spreading chestnut trees donated by Gust Holte a Montevideo blacksmith since 1924 and son-in-law of Peder Jacobson grace the front of the Peder Jacobson Blacksmith Shop. Peder Jacobson began blacksmithing in Montevideo in 1894. Once an old garage located at 211 N. 5th St. in Montevideo the Black Smith Shop contains a grinding stone, forge, blacksmithing tools and horse eveners.

14. Constructed on site in 1971, the Agricultural and Mechanical Building is home to displays depicting the early tools of many trades, including carpentry, agriculture implements and early service station equipment. Inside please note the 1917 Dodge Hearse, still used for parades throughout Chippewa County.

15. Built in 1885-86 by Roloff O. Moe, the Ness House was once located 6 miles east and 2 1/2 miles south of Montevideo. Inside a parlor heater with isinglass paneled doors, pump organ, baby carriage and washing machine can be found. The kitchen is equipped with a Monarch range, dry sink, cream separator, butter churn and icebox just like "Great Grandma's" kitchen.

16. Constructed in 1976 as a bicentennial project the Village Hall is the center of many activities in the village. Inside are located the public restrooms as well as a variety of displays including military and immigration artifacts. The added wings on Village Hall were funded by the Montevideo American Legion and Montevideo VFW.

17. Constructed by one of Chippewa County's earliest pioneers, the Gippe Cabin was built in 1867 by Heinrich Gippe. Once located southeast of Watson, the Gippe Cabin houses a display on the Gippe Family as well as a restored and preserved pre-1850's canoe found in the Minnesota River in 1982.

18. One of the most authentic log cabins in the state, the Anderson Log Cabin was built by Bardinus Anderson in 1870. Originally located 8 1/2 miles southeast of Montevideo this building was brought into Historic Chippewa City in 1965. Inside the walls of this log cabin, the Saron Lutheran Congregation was organized. Twisted prairie grasses were once used as fuel by settlers who lived in log cabins much like this one.

19. Once known as the Lund-Hendrickson school the Schoolhouse was donated by District 276 (old District 4) and was the nucleus of Historic Chippewa City. Originally located 4 miles north and 2 miles west of Montevideo, this structure was built in 1911. Resting on a foundation of stone from the schools original foundation this structure was the first building brought on sight in 1965. Inside are original furnishings including a Smith Heating System (double jacketed stove,) double desks, recitation bench, wall bracket lamps, old roller maps, water crocks and McDuffy readers. Behind the schoolhouse the original wood shed and outhouses can be located. Please feel free to sit in the desks and ring the school bell.

20. Built in 1882 by Synode Norwegian Lutherans, the Village Church was originally located at 210 S. 5th St. in Montevideo. This structure was home to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Salem Lutheran Church and Hope Reformed church before being donated to the Society. The building and original furnishings were donated by the Hope Reformed Congregation in 1968. Inside the original pews and pump organ can be found. The altar, altar rail, pulpit, baptismal font and altar paraments were donated by the Stony Run Lutheran Congregation located 12 miles southeast of Montevideo. The church bell is from the First Baptist Church, the first church built in Montevideo. Outside, the sign bears the name of Reverend O.E. Solseth, founder of many country churches in Chippewa County.

21. Once a granary located 6 miles east and 2 1/2 miles south of Montevideo, the Church Museum was officially dedicated in 1991. The vestibule and windows are from the First Baptist Church in Montevideo, built in 1879 and located at Sherman Avenue and Third Street. Inside, almost forty panels highlight churches of yesterday and today in Chippewa County.

22. Weapons, tools, crockery and dry goods; basic trade items of the frontier are located inside the Burns Fur Trading Post. Built in 1871 by Martinus Myhre this structure was originally located west of US 59, 6 miles south of Clarkfield. Inside, trapping supplies and pelts of native animals can be seen. Of special note is the Golden Eagle and Snowy Owl donated to the Society in 1997.

23. Built in 1971 from original plans, the Gazebo was designed and built by Eugene Hildahl. The gazebo is used for band concerts and weddings throughout the season.

Museum Etiquette

Please, no smoking, gum, food or beverages inside the buildings. We request that you do not handle museum artifacts unless instructed that it is safe to do so. (Items in italics may be touched.) Please, for your safety DO NOT go upstairs in any of the buildings.

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