HISTORY OF OWATONNA
RICH IN HISTORY
Owatonna is rich in history. The region where Owatonna is located was historically used by Native Americans as a hunting area. The only known periodic encampment was at Rice Lake for hunting and harvesting wild rice. Upon its founding by settlers in 1854, the area was named Owatonna after the Dakota name for the Straight River, “Wakpá Owóthaŋna.”
Today, Owatonna’s history is preserved at area attractions like the Orphanage Museum, the National Farmers’ Bank, and Village of Yesteryear. The historic downtown offers a snapshot of what Owatonna was like at the turn of the century. History buffs will not be disappointed in a visit to Owatonna!
The Legend of Princess Owatonna
2016-04-26
History Timeline
2016-04-22
Historic Downtown
2016-04-11
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OWATONNA MAPS
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