Roseau County Historical Society and Museum

Roseau, Minnesota 56751

121 Center Street East, Ste. 101, Roseau, MN 56751

218-463 -1918 Hours: M–F 9:30 – 5pm

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History

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Roseau County History

Roseau County was first surveyed in 1888.

On December 31st, 1894, Governor Knute Nelson made the proclamation that the eastern part of Kittson County, consisting of 30 Townships, would become a new County, which was to be called Roseau County. The eastern boundary at that time was actually Golden Valley, Mickinock, Malung, Spruce, and Spruce Valley Townships. The area line east of this boundary was unorganized territory and a part of Beltrami County. Leaders in the new county wanted to include the Lake of the Woods area so took steps to have it annexed to Roseau County. By petition to the Governor David Clough this annexation was completed on February 11, 1896, when the governor issued a proclamation detaching 15 townships, equal to 600 square miles and adding them to Roseau County.

In 1894 the tax roll listed 228 names of settlers, scattered throughout the area.

The Webster Hotel was purchased in January 1898, for the first courthouse (currently Holter’s Floral). A new courthouse was built in 1913, across from the first courthouse.  The cost was $21,139.75 plus  $1,266.81 in architectural fees. The front entry was added in 1968 for $3,784.01.

The first County Commissioners appointed work: Lars Hagland, Charles Hedlund, A.O. Skagen, Hans Erickson, and S.G. Bertilrud.  The first County officers appointed were:  CA Moody, Auditor; A.J. Loken, Treasurer; T.S. Nomeland, Register of Deeds; Iver Torfin, Clerk of Court; J.W. Durham, Sheriff; L.P. Dahlquist, Superintendent of Schools; R.J. Bell, Attorney;  O.B. Ekman, Judge of Probate; and W.H. Book, Surveyor/Engineer. Taken from the Roseau County Heritage Book


Board of Commissioners


DISTRICT 1 – 
John Horner


DISTRICT 2 – Jack Swanson


DISTRICT 3 – Roger Falk


DISTRICT 4 – Russell Walker


DISTRICT 5 – Daryl Wicklund

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  1. Summer Explorers – Little Monsters

    June 30 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
  2. Summer Explorers – Nature Impressions

    July 7 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

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Summer Explorers Youth Programs

Summer Explorers kids’ crafts @ the Roseau County Museum Download upcoming classes … [Read More...]

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Made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008.
Administered by the Minnesota Historical Society.

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mission & Vision
    • History
    • Annual Reports
    • Annual Fund Drive
    • Employment
  • Exhibits
  • Programs & Events
  • Resources
    • Links
  • Gift Shop
  • Support
    • Donate
    • Membership
    • Endowment Fund
    • Volunteer Info
  • News
  • Contact
    • Hours, Admission & Location