Litchfield is the county seat of Meeker County, Minnesota. The chief routes through the city are US Highway 12 and Minnesota Highways 22 and 24. The southern portion of the city is clustered around Lake Ripley, which was named for Dr. F.N. Ripley, who froze to death on the shores of the lake in 1856. Along US 12, Litchfield is east of Grove City and west of Darwin. Other nearby communities include Acton, Atwater, Crow River, Dassel, Forest City, Greenleaf, Jennie, Kingston, Manannah, Rosendale, and Strout. Paynesville is about twenty-five miles north, and Willmar is about thirty miles west of Litchfield. The settlement was originally named Ripley, for Dr. Ripley, but was later changed to Ness, for Ole Halverson Ness, who founded the First Lutheran Church and was part of the burial party who buried the first five victims of the US Dakota War. The town was platted in 1869 when the railroad extended its tracks to that point, at which time it was renamed for E. Darwin Litchfield, a major stockholder of the Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad. It was designated the county seat that same year. The first home in the community was built by G.B. Waller, who platted the town. Litchfield’s first school was opened in 1870. Litchfield was incorporated in 1872. Although not a large city today, Litchfield has not decreased in population since its first census in 1870.
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Situated on Lake Ripley, the city serves as the county seat of Meeker County. The official municipal web site introduces the mayor and its council, boards and commissions, posts council agendas and minutes, and administrative and departmental contacts. Employment opportunities are posted to the site.
http://www.ci.litchfield.mn.us/
Litchfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Organized in 1955, the Chamber if a business-focused membership organization made up of business owners and managers in the Litchfield, Minnesota area. Its organizational structure, contacts, meeting schedules, and a calendar of events are posted to the site, along with information about member services.
http://litch.com/
Located on East Highway 12, the Litchfield, Minnesota auto dealership specializes in the sale of new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and crossovers. Its inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles may be viewed online, and its parts and service departments are featured.
http://www.litchfieldchryslercenter.com/
Named for Bradley B. Meeker, the county is in the lower central part of the state, and its county seat is in Litchfield. The county administration, boards, and commissions are introduced on the official county web site, commission agendas and minutes are published, and its services and facilities are identified.
http://www.co.meeker.mn.us/
The non-profit sportsman’s club features a shooting range, trap shooting range, pistol range, bow range, and 3-D shooting range, and offers youth classes for shooting and safety, as well as permit to carry classes. Membership policies, fees, and fundraising activities are set forth, along with a calendar of events.
http://www.meekersportsman.com/
Specializing in local and national sales of pre-owned domestic and import cars, trucks and motorcycles, the Litchfield, Minnesota dealership also carries a selection of vintage and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. Its inventory is highlighted, and its auto purchase policies, finance policies, and contacts are put forth.
http://www.minnesotamotorcars.com/
