Home of the Quartzite
Jasper, “Home of the Quartzite”, is a city in Pipestone and Rock counties in Minnesota. Most of the city lies in Pipestone County, with only a small part of the city extending into Rock County. Jasper is named for a type of quartz rock found nearby. On July 8, 1927 a tornado near the town was photographed by Lucille Handberg. Her photograph has become a classic image, even appearing on two album covers, by English bands Deep Purple (1974) and Siouxsie and the Banshees (1986) many years later, legitimating the town in international culture. Jasper celebrated its Quasquicentennial (125 years) in 2013. A parade, tractor pulls, 5K run & street dance were all part of the wonderful celebration.