ZUMBRO FALLS CITY HISTORY
The
Zumbro River, first explored by Major Stephan Long in
1817, was named the “Riviers des Embarrass” or River of Difficulties. A
point on this river was used as a ford for the Territorial Road going
from Lake City to Rochester. In 1855 Zumbro Falls, not having a name at
that time, was first settled by the Tibbetts brothers. They built their
homes on each side of the river for the purpose of running a ferry
across the river where the ford had been. They ran their ferry for
three years, at which time it was sold. After this, the town expanded
on the south side of the river. In 1866, Benjamin Clark moved to town
and built a gristmill and dam above the rapids. The dam created a small
falls and the town received the name Zumbro Falls. The town grew enough
that the Midland Railroad ran tracks through the town in 1877 and a
depot was built. By 1896 some of the village residents were demanding
to become an organized town. The county board granted the incorporation
of Zumbro Falls on February 28, 1898. Since that time many changes have
occurred. The town celebrated its 100th year celebration on
May
16, 1998. At that time a book titled The Zumbro Falls, Minnesota
memoirs 100 years plus…then and now was created. The book contains
pictures and the history of the businesses and buildings that make up
our village.
CITY INFORMATION
