Economic Growth
Materials in this section relate to the period in Minnesota history after the Civil War until the early 20th century when most of Minnesota's main industries grew and prospered. During this time, the state grew from a small territory to the center of several markets, including flour milling and iron ore.
Agriculture
Locust Invasion and “Grangers vs. Grasshoppers” postcards
Barley harvest in Carrolton Township
Horse and plow working in Belle Plaine
Farm scene in Big Stone County
Farm machinery in Olmsted County
Farmer’s grain elevator in Slayton
Livestock show at the Nobles County Fairgrounds
Sugar beets piled along railroad tracks
Dairy and creamery photographs
Heatwole’s Dairy Paper and the Minnesota Dairyman publications
Minnesota Horticultural Society collection
Milling
Simmer Flour Mill in New Prague
Goodhue Mills photograph and advertisement
Mountain Lake Milling Company roller mill
Big “A” flour mill and elevator in Fergus Falls
Milling District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis
Pillsbury A Mill in Minneapolis
Interior of the Schroeder Milling Company
Washburn-Crosby Company flour advertisements
Curated Resources
Minnesota History Timeline, Part 1
Part 1 of this timeline explores significant moments in the history and development of Minnesota from prehistory to 1900.
Primary Source Sets:
- The Apron at St. Anthony Falls
- Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge
- Flour Milling in Minnesota
- Lumber Industry in Minnesota
- Main Streets
- Mechanization of Farming in Minnesota
- Mining on the Iron Range
- Minnesota’s Three Major Railroads
Farm to Table
Explore the history of food and learn how it has shaped the growth of Minnesota in this online exhibit.
Minnesota Apples: Growing a Success Story
Discover the history of apple growing in Minnesota and trace the impact of early fruit breeding to today.
Ore on the Range: Iron Mining in Minnesota
Learn how Minnesota's three iron ranges had a major impact on the culture, economy, and growth of the state.
About the Minnesota Digital Library
The Minnesota Digital Library (MDL) supports discovery and education through free access to unique digital collections shared by cultural heritage organizations from across the state of Minnesota. Our contributors include libraries, historical societies, museums, and archives. Begun in 2003, MDL includes digital content from over 200 participating organizations from across the state. Together we have digitized more than 60,000 photographs, postcards, maps, documents, letters, oral histories, and much more. These materials are available online in a free searchable database.
For more tips about teaching with MDL, visit our website or contact MDL staff.