Situated along the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River in Olmsted County, Oronoco is within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial State Forest in the southeastern part of Minnesota. A large portion of the city is built around Shady LakeUS Highway 52 is the chief route through the city. Nearby communities include Berne, Douglas, Genoa, Hammond, Mantorville, Mazeppa, Pine Island, Ringe, and South Troy. Rochester is about thirteen miles south of Oronoco. When the settlement of Oronoco began in 1854, the nearest human habitation was twenty-five miles away. Leonard B. Hodges, John B. Clark, and Ebenezer S. Collins were partners in the venture to establish a town in the wilderness. After building a log hut for their use, they invested in opening up a stage route from Dubuque, Iowa to Saint Paul and, by the summer of 1854 the M.O. Walker Stage Line was making daily trips. That same year, they donated ten acres, including a mill site and water power, to Ezra Odell and James Holliston, who built a sawmill during the following winter. Soon after a store was opened by John A. Moore, and a hotel by S.P. Hicks. Other mills and factories were built during the following years, and the village set its sights on becoming the county seat. The first meeting of the county commissioners was held in Oronoco in 1855 but when the boundaries of the new county were drawn up, Rochester became the natural center of the county and the obvious choice for the county seat. Gold was discovered along the banks of the Zumbro River near Oronoco in 1857, kicking off a gold rush that was brought to an end when two floods in 1859 washed away the equipment of the gold seekers, and it was determined that not enough gold had been found to make it worthwhile to resume prospecting. Oronoco Township was organized in 1858. Topics related to either the city or the township are appropriate for this category.
 
 
Recommended Resources
The official municipal web site offers a profile and history of the community, demographics, maps, and a guide to area parks, cemeteries, programs, and rental facilities. The city code and ordinances, a community calendar and public notices, municipal projects and issues, council meeting schedules, agendas and minutes, and administrative and departmental contacts and office hours are presented.
http://www.oronoco.com/
Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days
Playing on the city’s brief and aborted history as a gold rush town, the annual Gold Rush Days activities is a large antique and market show that takes place every third weekend in August, located along the banks of the Zumbro River in downtown Oronoco, Minnesota. Show hours and schedules are posted, along with event maps, vendor registrations, and shopper information.
http://goldrushmn.com/
Oronoco Auto Parts and Auto Sales
Buying and selling pre-owned auto sales as well as auto servicing, the business is located in Oronoco, Minnesota. Its selection of used cars, trucks, sports utilities, crossovers, mini-vans, and vans may be viewed online. An appraisal form for those interested in selling a vehicle is available, and it special offers, repairable cars, and auto parts are highlighted, with directions and hours.
http://www.oronocoautoparts.com/
Based in the small town of Oronoco, Minnesota, the auction facility is located in the former S&M Marine Building on 5th Street Northwest, but the company specializes in online auctions, which are held online rather than at a traditional auction house. However, items may be inspected prior to bidding. Current auction schedules are posted, along with bidder profiles. Interested bidders can register online before bidding.
http://www.oronocoauctions.com/
Situated on the northern border of Olmsted County, Minnesota, the township was named for the city, which the township surrounds on the north, east and south sides. Once agricultural, the township is largely a residential community for nearby Rochester today. The official township site lists township board members, offers agendas and minutes, township ordinances, and general information about the township.
http://www.oronocotownship-mn.gov/