Yellow Medicine County, MN

County in Southern MN

Prior to 1849, Yellow Medicine County, was under federal jurisdiction and was officially known as a part of Wisconsin Territory.  At this time the territory was mostly inhabited by the Chippewa Tribe to the north and Dakota Tribe to the south.  In 1849, Yellow Medicine, became part of Minnesota Territory and was a part of Dakota and Wabasha counties.  According to the treaties of 1850, when tribes of the Sioux surrendered title to their lands in Minnesota, a tract of land ten miles wide on each side of the Minnesota River was reserved as Dakota Territory.  Missionaries quickly moved in after the new Dakota territory was established.  In 1852, Dr. Thomas Williamson, a medical missionary with the Presbyterian Church, established the Pejuhatazizi Mission.  "Pejuhatazizi" is a Dakota name meaning "Yellow Medicine", the name of a plant used by the Dakota for medicinal purposes.  In 1854, Stephen R. Riggs, another Presbyterian, established the Hazel Creek Mission.  These two missions were located about five miles south of Granite Falls in what is now Minnesota Falls Township.  The government established the Upper Sioux Agency in 1854 in what is now Sioux Agency Township.  During the Sioux Uprising of 1862, the Agency, missions, and several white settlements were destroyed and as a result of the uprising the Dakota lands were declared forfeit.  Consequently, white settlement began again in 1865.  At this time Yellow Medicine was a part of Redwood County, MN.  The early settlers were largely Scandinavian and German with smaller concentrations of English, Irish, Czech, and Bohemian.

Yellow Medicine County was created by a legislative act on March 6, 1871.  board of three commissioners met on January 1, 1872 in Yellow Medicine City, which became the first county seat.  In the spring of 1874, Granite Falls became the county seat and the first courthouse, containing a court room and three small offices was completed on the site of the present jail.  Then in 1888, this building was replaced with a two story stone structure which still acts as the court house today on Ninth Avenue in Granite Falls.  Twenty-one townships and ten communities were established in the new county between 1871 and 1890.  The communities include Granite Falls, Canby, Clarkfield, Wood Lake, Echo, Hanley Falls, Porter, Hazel Run, St. Leo, and Burr.  A Dakota settlement of about 150 people is located three miles south of Granite Falls.  Each community is authentic and has its own rich history to portray to their visitors.

Yellow Medicine County has an area of 758 square miles.It is 54 miles long from east to west and from 12 miles north and south at the west end to 21 miles at the eastern boundary.  The elevation of the county ranges from 1,739 feet near the southwest corner of the county to 860 feet where the Minnesota River flows out of the county.  The mean elevation is 1,165 feet above sea level.  The soil for the most part is good black prairie till.  Underlying the glacial drift, which covers the entire county, is an irregular layer of igneous gneiss rock which crops out along the Minnesota River in the east end.  The average mean temperature is about 45 degrees; the average rainfall is 25.13 inches; the average snowfall 41.2 inches.  The land is well watered and drained by the Minnesota River and its tributaries; the Lac Qui Parle and Yellow Medicine rivers.

Destination Yellow Medicine County, MN

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Sponsors of Yellow Medicine County, MN


Since the founding of our communities, organizations, businesses and citizens have stepped forward to build and serve their community. Click on any of the logos below to learn about those who made this website possible! If you would like to learn about becoming a sponsor CLICK HERE!

Towns of Yellow Medicine County, MN


The small towns of the Midwest are rich in history and a great way of life! Below you can visit and learn about the small towns we call home! Towns that have their name highlighted have become FEATURED TOWNS. Businesses/organizations from these towns have stepped forward as SPONSORS enabling us to include (or will include as acquired) stories and website links to ALL their community organizations (chambers, groups and departments, etc.), stories and website links to ALL their points of interest, annual festivals/events and stories done about their citizens, veterans and faith community. To learn how to become a featured town CLICK HERE!

Events of Yellow Medicine County, MN


The small towns of the Midwest have long shared pride in their communities through festivals and events! Citizens from each community, working together, continue to offer entertainment options that not only appeal to their citizens, but visitors to their community! Below you will find festivals and events you are sure to want to attend! If you would like to have (DST) include an annual festival or event on your town and county page CLICK HERE!

Points of Interest of Yellow Medicine County, MN


The communities of the Midwest have a lifestyle unique to their region — rich in history and points of interest like no other! Below you will find points of interest you are sure to want to visit! To nominate a landmark, historic location, museum, etc. as a point of interest on your county and region page CLICK HERE!

Veterans of Yellow Medicine County, MN


Veterans come from many walks of life and whether a veteran has severed two decades ago or two days ago, they have made our freedoms possible. Below you will find stories about many who have served. If you would like to nominate a veteran to be included on your town and county page CLICK HERE!