When the first settlers arrived in Martin County in March 1856, the county was part of Brown and Faribault Counties. Perhaps these settlers heard the stories told by soldiers who passed through the region. They spoke of the many lakes and streams of clear water and abundant fish and waterfowl, ever-popular fur-bearing mammals, and timber stands where elk, deer, and buffalo foraged. Word spread fast, and by the winter of 1856-1857, the population of...

Since its inception, Martin County has always had its share of colorful risk-takers who doggedly pursued new and creative ways to make their lives better. First the pioneers, then the settlers after them, and of course, the entrepreneurs who saw opportunities to serve those settlers. Entrenched in these pages are the accounts of more than 100 of those entrepreneurs, business people, and community organizers. Some organizations may be obscure and lon...

"During World War I, an estimated one of every 16 Martin County citizens in southern Minnesota was in the military, serving on virtually every front, with 50 of these brave soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives for our country. Many other returned home with permanent combat-related disabilities. In 1942, Battery H, comprised of 153 men and five officers from Martin County, was mobilized. And representatives of the county have...