Okabena, Minnesota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Okabena
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Location of Okabena, Minnesota
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| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Jackson |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor – Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.34 sq mi (0.88 km2) |
| • Land | 0.34 sq mi (0.88 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,421 ft (433 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 203 |
| • Density | 600.59/sq mi (231.58/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
56161
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| Area code(s) | 507 |
| FIPS code | 27-48184 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2395311 |
Okabena (/oʊkəˈbiːnə/ OH-kə-BEE-nə) is a small town in Jackson County, Minnesota, United States. In 2020, 203 people lived there. The name "Okabena" comes from a Dakota word. It means "the nesting place of herons," which are long-legged birds.
Contents
Okabena's History
Okabena was started in 1879. This happened after the railroad tracks were built to reach that spot. A post office has been open in Okabena since 1880.
The Famous Bank Robbery
On May 19, 1933, the Okabena Bank was robbed. The famous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde were the ones who did it. After leaving the bank, their car sped through town. They shot bullets into the town as they drove away.
Schoolchildren had to hide behind trees. Bullets went through walls and broke windows. Bonnie and Clyde escaped on a country road. They took about $2,500, which would be worth about $44,000 today. For many years, other people were wrongly blamed for this crime.
The Investigation and Wrong Convictions
In 1933, many banks were robbed in Minnesota. The FBI did not investigate bank robberies back then. So, local police and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) handled the case. Eyewitnesses described people who looked like Tony, Floyd, and Mildred Strain. These three were local people who had been suspected in other crimes.
After two quick trials, the Strains were found guilty. Tony and Floyd were sent to prison for a long time. Mildred, who was believed to be the getaway driver, also went to prison.
The Strains were also suspected of robbing banks in other towns. But later, it became clear they could not have done those other robberies. Mildred always said she was innocent of the Okabena robbery. She kept saying this until she was released from prison in 1942. Tony and Floyd also said they were innocent until they were released in 1946.
Later Proof of Innocence
Years after Bonnie and Clyde had died, books were written about them. Bonnie's mother and Clyde's sister wrote one book. It said that Bonnie and Clyde had robbed the Okabena bank. Clyde's brother Buck Barrow and his wife Blanche Barrow were also involved. Another book by Blanche Barrow said the same thing.
Before the Okabena robbery, police found a hideout used by Bonnie and Clyde. They found photos of Bonnie and Clyde with guns. They also found poems Bonnie had written about their adventures. These photos and poems were published in newspapers. This made Bonnie and Clyde very famous. But by then, the Strains had already been convicted.
The Strain family always said they were innocent. They maintained this until they passed away. Tony died in 1970, Mildred in 1974, and Floyd in 1994. Today, the town of Okabena knows who the real robbers were. They even re-enact the bank robbery every year during their Fourth of July festival.
Professor Brad Chislom, a historian, explained what happened. He said Bonnie and Clyde, along with Buck and Blanche Barrow, robbed the bank. He believes the people who convicted the Strains truly thought they were guilty. But important information was kept from them. In 1933, many bank robberies were happening. Investigators wanted to solve cases quickly. This led to the Strains being wrongly blamed. History has now shown their innocence.
Okabena's Geography
The city of Okabena covers a total area of about 0.88 square kilometers (0.34 square miles). All of this area is land.
The town is located on County Roads 9 and 20. It is west of South Heron Lake.
Okabena's Population
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1940 | 210 | — | |
| 1950 | 236 | 12.4% | |
| 1960 | 244 | 3.4% | |
| 1970 | 237 | −2.9% | |
| 1980 | 263 | 11.0% | |
| 1990 | 223 | −15.2% | |
| 2000 | 185 | −17.0% | |
| 2010 | 188 | 1.6% | |
| 2020 | 203 | 8.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 188 people living in Okabena. They lived in 74 households. Most of these households (54) were families.
About 35% of households had children under 18 living with them. Most households (60.8%) were married couples. The average household had 2.54 people. The average family had 2.93 people.
The average age of people in Okabena was 37.8 years old. About 30% of residents were under 18. About 17% were 65 years old or older. The population was almost evenly split between males (50.5%) and females (49.5%).
See also
In Spanish: Okabena (Minnesota) para niños
