Historic Attractions

Montevideo

Among the earliest settlers to arrive in the Montevideo area was David Wilkens, in 1865. Wilkens built his cabin west of the Chippewa River where it emptied into the Minnesota River. A settlement called Chippewa City grew around Wilkens cabin and was platted in 1868 . Chippewa City had six houses, a post office and mill, and became the county seat.
George W. Frink, "the Father of Montevideo" settled just across the Chippewa River, on what is now Montevideo's main street in 1867. In 1870, Cornelius J. Nelson and L. R. Moyer arrived. Montevideo was named by Cornelius J. Nelson and means "From the mount I see" in Latin. Before incorporation, Montevideo's population reached 160 in 1874. Montevideo was incorporated as a city on March 4, 1879. Montevideo's first city hall was constructed in 1894.

Historic, Depot Railroad Restoration

Visit the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Depot, originally built in the early 1900's, now being restored-by the Milwaukee Heritage Center to house a railroad museum. Stroll through the newly restored railroad yards, which include an engine shed, sand house and operational turntable. For tour information, call the Chippewa County Historical Society at 320-2697636.

Chippewa City

Located on the Southeastern edge of Montevideo, Chippewa City reflects a replica of Chippewa City which faded from existence soon after Montevideo was established. In 1965, the Chippewa County Historical Society was given the opportunity to preserve a rural schoolhouse. From that beginning, Chippewa City was constructed on a twenty acre unused city park Chippewa City houses a 23 building museum complex, depicting the turn of the century lifestyle.

Fort Renville

As early as 1811 fur traders traveled and lived in the area, establishing posts to trade furs produced in the region. One of the most famous was Joseph Renville, the son of a French trader and a Dakota woman. In 1822, he established Fort Renville as a trading post at Lac qui Parle (Dakota for "lake that speaks".) It was one of the most influential centers of white presence in Southwestern Minnesota, and the only outpost between St. Peter and the British Posts of the Red River. The fort prospered until Renville's death in 1846. The site was excavated in 1940, and currently is marked with an interpretive sign.

Swensson Farm Museum
(May - September)

Just minutes outside of Montevideo, the Olof Swensson Farm Museum consists of a 17 acre farmstead, complete with timber-frame barn, grist mill remains and hand cut granite monuments. The 22 room brick farm house rests on a foundation of local granite and is included on the National Register. Call 320-269-7636 for further information.

Jose Artigas Plaza

Shoppers and visitors are encouraged to stop and relax on the shaded park benches and enjoy Artigas Plaza, located in the center of downtown Montevideo. The Plaza was named in honor of Jose Artigas, hero of Uruguayan independence and features an 11 foot bronze statue presented by the people of Montevideo, Uruguay in 1949. Don't miss the many fine retail shops and unique restaurants throughout the downtown area.

Historic Buildings

Catch a glimpse of Chippewa County history through our National Register buildings. JA Weaver House - Charles Budd House - Swensson Farm - Lac qui Parle Mission - Railroad Depot -Carnegie Library- Chippewa City Bank Building Henry Gippe farmstead.

Lac qui Parle Mission

The first Missionaries arrived in 1835 and the Lac qui Parle mission was built in 1841. The Missionaries learned the Dakota language, put it into written form and translated the Bible into Dakota. They also taught Native Americans farming, carpentry and home crafts. In 1854 the Mission was consolidated with the Upper Sioux Agency just south of present day Granite Falls.

The Mission Site is on the National Register of Historic Places. A wooden chapel now stands on the site of the original adobe structure. Visitors can ring the church bell, see artifacts like the original organ and view exhibits describing the Missionaries and their work.

After the Dakota Conflict of 1862, the Dakota were banished to reservations and the Homestead Act opened the area to settlement. The influx of settlers began in 1865, mostly with Civil War veterans from New England and New York. They were followed by immigrants from Norway, Germany and Sweden as well as the Netherlands and Ireland. By 1870 Chippewa County had 1,467 residents. Chippewa County continued to grow until it reached the height of its population (16,927) in 1940.

Urban Renewal

In the 1950's flooding along the Chippewa River and the state's desire to reroute Highway 7 led to the channel of the Chippewa River being moved and filled. Montevideo's "Urban Renewal" or "Revitalization Project" began in the 1950's with the completion of the "belt line", State Highway 7, in 1959. The new courthouse was completed in 1957. In 1963 a new city hall, housing city offices, police and fire departments was completed.

In 1968, "urban renewal" led to the development of a downtown pedestrian mall with a central plaza. It was dedicated later that year by Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Johnson.



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Historical Attractions