A rail line ran east-west through Fairmont, but the nearest north-south rail link to Minneapolis and St. The railroad companies of the time were looking for more business, and the area of Westford seemed an ideal prospect. The nearest rail station, however, was a distant 12 to 18 miles away, a hard days travel for farmers with nothing but a horse team and wagon. The farmers of Westford Township were prosperous, enjoying rich harvests as a result of the area’s fertile soil and mild climate. The city of Truman was born with the railroad. Another rush of settlement occurred with the opening of the north-south railroad in 1899. In 1878, an east-west railroad was built crossing the county, and settlers once again flowed into the region, reclaiming the abandoned farms and planting new fields across the vast prairies. By 1878, nearly three out of every four farms was vacant or abandoned.
In 18, grasshoppers devastated area crops, causing many to abandon their farms and leave the area. One was located near a river ford, and was designated as the West Ford post office, hence the name Westford, after which the township was eventually named. Two post offices were soon established in the area. With the building of the Jackson road from Winnebago to Jackson in 1865, more of the area was opened up for settlement. In 1862, many of the settlements in the area were burned during an Indian uprising, but many residents soon returned to rebuild their homes and farms. The first settlement in the township was established in 1857 along Elm Creek. Truman is located on the north central edge of Martin County in Westford Township, Minnesota. Below is Truman’s first 100 years in a narrative form or for a year-by-year review. Donations are always appreciated and much needed to continue operation.Ī chronological history of Truman is also available for your perusal. The museum will also open by appointment for tours and classroom visits. Scheduled hours are Fridays 1:00 – 4:00 PM. The historical association operates the Truman Historical Museum, located at 109 West Ciro Street. Their annual meeting is held in May, and membership is $10. Meetings are held at the Museum (address below). Association meetings are first Thursday each month at 7:00 PM. The Truman Historical Association is a nonprofit group collecting and preserving artifacts from Truman’s 100+ years of history.
0 kommentar(er)
