Northfield is in lower Minnesota, mostly in Rice County, but with a portion of the city extending into Dakota County. The town was platted in 1855 by John W. North, for whom it was named. Northfield was an agricultural center, largely raising corn and wheat, but the town also supported a lumber industry and flour mills powered by water from the Cannon River. As more western states began to dominate the wheat industry, dairy operations, beef, and diversified farms replaced wheat in Northfield, although Malt-O-Meal still has a production facility in Northfield. Still agricultural, the area around Northfield produces corn, soybeans and hogs today. Northfield College (now Carleton College) was founded in northern Northfield in 1866, and St. Olaf College was founded in 1874 on the western edge of town. In 1876, Northfield played a part in the history of the West, with a failed attempt by the James-Younger Gang to rob the First National Bank of Northfield. Recognizing what was about the occur, local citizens armed themselves and fought back. Although a bank teller and a Northfield resident were killed, a couple of members of the gang were killed in the street, while Cole, Bob and Jim Younger were soon cornered near Madelia, Minnesota. Jesse and Frank James escaped west into the Dakota Territory. This event is commemorated annually with a Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration. Edward John The, the 26th governor of Minnesota, was a resident of Northfield, and Karl Rolvaag, the 31st governor of Minnesota, was a Northfield native. Since the 1960s, residential growth has been strong, slowly replacing much of the town's agricultural land.
Categories
Education & InstructionThings to Do & Places to Go |
Recommended Resources
The official municipal web site introduces its elected officials, boards and commissions, posts council agendas and minutes, the city code and charter, a staff directory, city maps and employment opportunities. Also included is a guide to municipal services and facilities, schools, colleges, organizations, businesses, and events. Public notices are posted to the site.
http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/
The three-story Victorian is situated on a corner lot two blocks from downtown Northfield, Minnesota. A private residence until 2001, the B&B now offers three guest accommodations, which are pictured here, along with a description, a list of amenities, policy information, an overview of the neighborhood, and online bookings.
http://www.magicdoorbb.com/
Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
The Chamber is a non-profit organization with a dual purpose, to advocate for the business interests of its members and for the economic well-being of the Northfield, Minnesota as a whole. The benefits of membership are outlined, along with meeting schedules, project reports, and a calendar of events. A directory of members and a guide to the area are included.
http://www.northfieldchamber.com/
The bed and breakfast inn features four private suites, as well as a living room and dining room that opens onto a screened porch that wraps around the inn. Offering breakfast items that come from the farm to the table, cable television, wireless Internet, and endless coffee, tea and snacks, the B&B is located in Northfield, Minnesota, across the street from Carleton College and a seven minute drive from St. Olaf College.
http://www.northfieldinnmn.com/
Maintained by the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, the site offers general information about the organization, including a membership directory, meeting schedules and a calendar of events, as well as a guide to local lodging facilities, restaurants, attractions, events, and businesses. A meeting planner and a trip planner are included.
http://visitingnorthfield.com/
