Owatonna is in Steele County, for which is serves as the county seat. It is in lower eastern Minnesota. The community was settled along the Straight River in 1853, and is an Anglicization of the Dakota word for the river, which is Wakpá Owóthaŋna. The settlement was platted in the fall of 1855, incorporated as a town in August of 1858, and as a city in February of 1865. An important early resident was Josef Karel Kaplan, who came from Bohemia to homestead a 160-acre parcel of land in 1856. He described the settlement then, as having about fifty homes, but predicted a hundred, as well as a railroad. He helped to organize the Catholic Cemetery in Owatonna, and was one of the founders of the National Bohemian Cemetery of Owatonna. The area known as Kaplan's Woods is part of the original 160 acres owned by Kaplan, which later became a state park, now owned by the city. A large orphanage, known as the Minnesota State School for Dependent and Neglected Children, operated in Owatonna from 1886 to 1945, when it became a school for the mentally handicapped, which closed in 1970. The city now uses the compound for the town offices, a senior center, arts center, a couple of daycare centers, a chemical dependency home, and other offices and non-profit agencies. The 1995 film, Angus, was filmed on location in Owatonna, mostly at its high school. Don Laughlin, the founder of Laughlin, Nevada, was born and raised in Owatonna. Owatonna is centered just north of the intersection of Interstate Highway 35 and US Highway 14. Clinton Falls and Medford are just north of the city, Merton is northeast, Havana east, Saco and Steele Center south, Lemond to the southwest, and Meriden west of Owatonna. Faribault is about fifteen miles north, Albert Lea is about thirty-five miles south, and Rochester and Mankato are about forty-five miles east and west, respectively.
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Founded in 1854, Owatonna is the county seat of Steele County, Minnesota. The official city web site presents a history, profile, and demographics for the city, as well as its city council, boards and commissions, council meeting schedules, agendas and minutes, the city charter and codes, license and permit forms, a staff directory, and employment postings. A guide to local attractions and events is included.
http://www.ci.owatonna.mn.us/
Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Offering member and community services, business advocacy, and the promotion of tourism in the area, the Chamber is a non-profit organization made up of volunteer members, mostly business owners and professionals from the greater Owatonna, Minnesota region. The benefits of members are defined, a member directory is posted, and a guide to the history of the city, its strategic plan, economic development and project information are put forth.
https://owatonna.org/
Owatonna Degner Regional Airport
The airport began in 1946 at Cashman's Field while the permanent airport was under construction. Named for Glenn Degner, an Owatonna native who had served in the aviation branch of the Navy, the airport's history of related here, along with an overview of the facilities, its services, premium amenities, which include fueling services, airport hangars, ground transportation, and maintenance services, are discussed, and contacts are included.
http://www.owatonnaairport.com/
Incorporated in 1957, the Owatonna Foundation was one of the first community foundations in Minnesota, and was established to assist in the improving the quality of life for current and future generations of Owatonna residents. Its history and board are defined, and its community, education, recreation, and arts success stories are told, with information about grants and scholarships, office hours and contacts.
http://www.owatonnafoundation.org/
Owatonna Partners for Economic Development
Created for the purpose of promoting the economic development of the Owatonna, Minnesota area, the OPED offers a community profile in PDF format, and an overview of area demographics, population growth, major employers, and retail market analysis. Available commercial or industrial properties are highlighted, and local developers and partner agencies are identified, with an overview of the business community and available business resources.
https://owatonnadevelopment.com/
Steele County Historical Society
Established in 1949, the SCHS was established to preserve the history of the county, and developed the Village of Yesteryear in 1962, which is based around the Saco Church, built in 1891, and now features a layout similar to the center of Owatonna and its Central Park in the early days of the community, now including several period buildings, such as early homes, a railroad depot, general store and post office, as well as structures that were built recently to resemble earlier buildings.
http://www.steelehistorymuseum.org/
The official county web site offers contacts and directions for its departments, agencies and divisions, as well as a history and overview of the county government, its parks and recreational holdings, tax and recycling information, and online services for residents. County board meeting schedules, agendas and minutes are posted, with information on getting on the board agenda. Links to cities within the county, and other helpful facilities are included.
http://www.co.steele.mn.us/
