Situated near the confluence of the Root River and the Mississippi River, across from La Crosse, Wisconsin, Hokah is in Houston County, Minnesota. Prior to the coming of white settlers, the area was inhabited by the Dakota people, and the town was named for Dakota Chief Wecheschatope Hokah. The first white settler was Edward Thompson, who came with his wife and family in 1851 and built a flour mill and dam on Thompson Creek, a tributary of the Root River. The new settlement was incorporated as a village in 1871 and, by 1875 there were four flour mills, cooper shops, and a railroad depot for the Root River Valley Railroad, which employed as many as five hundred people, building as many as three hundred railroad coaches in a year. By 1880, the town had a plow factory, furniture factory, three blacksmith shops, a shoe shop, two drug stores, and six general stores. However, the Root River Valley Railroad was acquired by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad in 1880, closing the depot in Hokah. The village became a city in 1923. From 1858 to the 1930s, Hokah was home to Lake Como, a 90-acre man-made lake that was created through the construction of a dam on Thompson Creek at Como Falls. However, the dam failed during a flood in 1909, draining the lake. It was rebuilt in 1922, but soil erosion caused the lake bed to fill in, and the former site of Lake Como now hosts a community park, a pool, and a baseball field. Apart from La Crosse, Wisconsin, other nearby communities include Brownsville, Caledonia, Dresbach, Houston, La Crescent, Money Creek, New Hartford, Sheldon, and Yucatan, as well as the Wisconsin localities of Barre Mills, Medary, Onalaska, and Shelby. Winona, Minnesota is about thirty miles northwest of Hokah.
Recommended Resources
The traditional Bible Church in Hokah, Minnesota is served by Village Missions, an organization that seeks to keep rural churches alive by placing pastors in small-town churches that might otherwise close. The church’s youth and adult ministries are highlighted, a calendar of events is published, and a statement of beliefs is given.
http://communitychurchofhokah.com/
Hokah, Minnesota is home to Como Falls and the Root River. The site features a series of six signs that were installed in 2011 depicting historic landmarks in the city, including the site of the former Lake Como, the fire station, near Thompson Creek and the Root River in north Hokah, Veterans Park, City Hall, and the Legion ball park. Recreational areas are also highlighted.
http://www.hokah.info/
Originally an Indian village, the small city of Hokah, Minnesota is located between Thompson Creek Bluff and the Root River. The official municipal web site presents an introduction to the community and its local government, administrative contacts, council agendas and minutes. A municipal calendar, city brochure, and public notices are posted to the site.
http://www.cityofhokah-mn.gov/
St. Joseph Parish, St. Mary Parish, St. Peter Parish
Representing Roman Catholic churches in Rushford, Houston, and Hokah, Minnesota respectively, as well as St. Peter’s School, their locations, mass times, confession times, school schedules, and an overview of the church’s faith formation programs and other ministries are put forth.
http://www.rootrivercatholics.com/
Located on US Highway 16 in Hokah, Minnesota, the used auto dealership carries a selection of pre-owned cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and other vehicles. Its inventory and special offers may be viewed online or searched by price range, along with its services, hours of operation, and contacts.
http://www.tri-stateautooutlet.net/
