Kimball Area History
During the rapid expansion of our nation during the middle of the 19th century, a hardy group of pioneers from the state of Maine settled on the lush, green prairie of central Minnesota. A historical marker now stands at the site of that original settlement, near the north end of Lake Carnelian.
The village of Maine Prairie had its rustic beginning in 1856. The pioneer village included churches, stores, two lodge halls, a blacksmith shop, and cheese factory. The village also featured a 2 1/2-story tamarack log fort which stood just beyond the location of the present granite marker. This fort was built to protect area settlers during the Sioux uprising of 1862; the fort was never attacked. Families and farms soon flourished in the area.
In 1886 the Soo Line Railroad decided to bypass Maine Prairie in favor if Kimball Prairie, 5 miles to the south. The railroad brought about the rapid decline of the original settlement. Eventually, most of the buildings were moved into Kimball Prairie; the last original building burned in 1919.
Because of the railroad, Kimball Prairie (now known simply as Kimball) became a regular passenger and freight stop for shipping of farm products, building materials, and merchandise. The railroad also created local jobs, and the community continued to grow.
Kimball's original school building burned down in 1911. The village promptly erected a large brick structure that was replaced in 1989 (it is now the elementary school).
The Kimball town hall was built in 1908; it is on the national register of historic building. It recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, and is in the process of renovation inside and out. Currently it is made up of city offices, the police department, and the Kimball Historical Society.
Churches, a blacksmith shop, livery stable, saw mill, general store, confectionery store, filling station, hardware store, and creamery were necessary symbols of work and growth in the city.
In the many decades since its birth, a number of businesses have come and gone. New businesses have been established to replace those that disappeared. Today, Kimball is a comfortable home for families, churches and businesses and a community of caring and forward-thinking people.
The village of Maine Prairie had its rustic beginning in 1856. The pioneer village included churches, stores, two lodge halls, a blacksmith shop, and cheese factory. The village also featured a 2 1/2-story tamarack log fort which stood just beyond the location of the present granite marker. This fort was built to protect area settlers during the Sioux uprising of 1862; the fort was never attacked. Families and farms soon flourished in the area.
In 1886 the Soo Line Railroad decided to bypass Maine Prairie in favor if Kimball Prairie, 5 miles to the south. The railroad brought about the rapid decline of the original settlement. Eventually, most of the buildings were moved into Kimball Prairie; the last original building burned in 1919.
Because of the railroad, Kimball Prairie (now known simply as Kimball) became a regular passenger and freight stop for shipping of farm products, building materials, and merchandise. The railroad also created local jobs, and the community continued to grow.
Kimball's original school building burned down in 1911. The village promptly erected a large brick structure that was replaced in 1989 (it is now the elementary school).
The Kimball town hall was built in 1908; it is on the national register of historic building. It recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, and is in the process of renovation inside and out. Currently it is made up of city offices, the police department, and the Kimball Historical Society.
Churches, a blacksmith shop, livery stable, saw mill, general store, confectionery store, filling station, hardware store, and creamery were necessary symbols of work and growth in the city.
In the many decades since its birth, a number of businesses have come and gone. New businesses have been established to replace those that disappeared. Today, Kimball is a comfortable home for families, churches and businesses and a community of caring and forward-thinking people.
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