Link to Historical Articles
Overview of the History of Dodge County
- The first European to visit Dodge County may have been a French fur trader from Canada.
- In 1853, Peter and Riley Mantor came to the present site of Mantorville and established their claim.
- In 1854, a small group of immigrants arrived at Mantorville. The next day they continued to Concord and erected a log house for James Sumner, the first residence built in the county.
- In 1849, Dodge County was a part of Wabasha County and in 1851 it was divided between Wabasha and Dakota Counties.
- Dodge County was created in 1855 and named for Henry Dodge (1782-1867), who served Wisconsin as territorial governor and United States senator.
- Early settlers were predominately English.
- The Mantorville Express (July 16, 1857), the first newspaper published in Dodge County, listed attorneys, a physician, Steamboat Agent, No. 11, A of F & M meet in the Masonic Hallowell, Boot and Shoe Manufacturer, and the Hubbell House.
- In 1865, the Dodge County Board of Commissioners chose Lots 1,2,3, of Block 22, Mantorville Village, as a site for the erection of the county courthouse. Total cost was $15,000 and it is the only original working county courthouse in Minnesota.
- 1858, county commissioners divided the county into townships.
- 1855, the first school district in Dodge County was organized.
- 1857, the Dodge County Agricultural Society was organized and held a fair in Mantorville, the first county fair in Minnesota Territory.
Click for a complete overview of our history (PDF)
Please remember that the Dodge County Historical Society has reprinted the early history of Dodge County, originally published in 1884. Dodge County Historical Society is located in Mantorville, Minnesota. It is housed in the former Saint John’s Episcopal Church, also known as the “Hilltop Church.” The building was built in 1869 of native limestone. The first minister was Peter Ruth. Rumor has it that our resident ghost is his wife Sarah Ruth. She is buried somewhere under the church. This building holds historical artifacts and research archives. DCHS evolved from an organization called Dodge County Old Settlers Association, which was formed in 1876. The name was officially changed to Dodge County Historical Society in 1948. DCHS is managed by a board of directors elected by the membership at each annual meeting. Limited funding is received from Dodge County and funds are raised each year to preserve artifacts, fabricate exhibits, and to provide for maintenance/repair of buildings.
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