Historic Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota facts for kids
Historic Lac qui Parle County (which means Lake that Talks in French) was an old county in the state of Minnesota. It was located on the north side of the Minnesota River, right across from where the Lac qui Parle River flows into it.
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What Was Lac qui Parle County?
This historic county was created in 1862. It was formed when it was separated from another area called Pierce County. However, it didn't last very long. In 1868, it was officially "deorganized," which means it stopped being a separate county. Its land was then divided and became parts of what are now Stevens, Swift, and Chippewa counties.
Where Was This Old County?
Imagine looking at a map of Minnesota. The historic Lac qui Parle County was situated in the western part of the state. It was specifically on the northern bank of the Minnesota River. This river was an important landmark, and the county's location near the mouth of the Lac qui Parle River gave it its unique name.
Why Was It Created?
In the 1800s, as more people moved into Minnesota, new counties were often created to help organize the growing population and manage local government. Creating a new county like Lac qui Parle allowed for better administration of the land and its residents. It helped provide local services and representation for the people living there.
What Happened to It?
The historic Lac qui Parle County existed for only six years. In 1868, the state decided to change its county boundaries. This often happened as populations shifted and new areas developed. When Lac qui Parle County was deorganized, its land was absorbed into neighboring counties. This meant that the people living there became part of Stevens, Swift, or Chippewa counties instead.
How Is It Different from Today's County?
It's easy to get confused because there is a Lac qui Parle County today! However, the current county is different from the historic one. The modern Lac qui Parle County was established later, in 1871. It is located on the south side of the Minnesota River, which is a key difference from the older county. So, while they share the same name, they are distinct historical and geographical entities.
