Porter, Minnesota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Porter, Minnesota
Lone Tree, Harstad, Dalston
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Location of Porter, Minnesota
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| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Yellow Medicine |
| Platted | October 1881 |
| Incorporated | February 16, 1898 |
| Named for | L. C. Porter |
| Government | |
| • Type | City Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.998 sq mi (5.175 km2) |
| • Land | 1.996 sq mi (5.169 km2) |
| • Water | 0.002 sq mi (0.062 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,194 ft (364 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 166 |
| • Estimate
(2022)
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165 |
| • Density | 83.17/sq mi (32.11/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC–6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC–5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code |
56280
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| Area code(s) | 507 |
| FIPS code | 27-52144 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2396257 |
| Sales tax | 6.875% |
Porter is a city in Yellow Medicine and Lincoln counties, Minnesota, United States. In 2020, the city had a population of 166 people.
Contents
History of Porter
Porter was officially planned, or platted, in October 1881. This happened when the Winona and St. Peter Railroad reached the area. The city was named after L. C. Porter. He was a mill owner and one of the first people to settle there. A post office opened in Porter in 1882. The city officially became a town, or incorporated, on February 16, 1898.
Geography of Porter
Porter is a city located in Minnesota. It covers a total area of about 1.998 square miles (5.175 square kilometers). All of this area is land. The North Branch of the Yellow Medicine River flows right through the city.
Population and People of Porter
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 196 | — | |
| 1910 | 253 | 29.1% | |
| 1920 | 257 | 1.6% | |
| 1930 | 263 | 2.3% | |
| 1940 | 250 | −4.9% | |
| 1950 | 291 | 16.4% | |
| 1960 | 261 | −10.3% | |
| 1970 | 207 | −20.7% | |
| 1980 | 211 | 1.9% | |
| 1990 | 210 | −0.5% | |
| 2000 | 190 | −9.5% | |
| 2010 | 183 | −3.7% | |
| 2020 | 166 | −9.3% | |
| 2022 (est.) | 165 | −9.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2020 Census |
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Porter's Population in 2010
Based on the 2010 census, 183 people lived in Porter. There were 86 households and 47 families in the city. The population density was about 79.9 people per square mile (30.8 people per square kilometer).
In terms of age, the average age in Porter was 39.8 years. About 21.9% of the people were under 18 years old. About 14.2% of the people were 65 years old or older. The city had a nearly even split of genders, with 50.8% male and 49.2% female residents.
Community Life in Porter
Porter was founded in 1881 by settlers from Scandinavia. The city still celebrates its heritage today.
Annual Lutefisk Supper
Every year in early November, the Bethel Lutheran Church (also known as Porter Norwegian Lutheran Church) hosts a special dinner. This event celebrates the town's Scandinavian roots. They serve traditional foods like Lutefisk, Lefse, and Swedish Meatballs.
Porter's Auction Traditions
Auctions are a big part of Porter's traditions.
March of Dimes Auction
In January, the long-running Porter March of Dimes auction takes place. It is held at the Porter Community Hall. This fundraiser has been an annual event for over 70 years.
Market Day Sale
Porter celebrates its annual Market Day Sale in April. This yearly auction brings thousands of people to the town. Streets are closed for the auction rings. This auction is a tradition that started before World War II and continues today. For over 90 years, homemade pies and sandwiches have been served. These are provided by the Bethel Lutheran Church in the Porter Community Hall. Other food stands are run by Deb's Café and various Porter organizations.
Harvest Festival
In August, the community celebrates the successful harvests from local farms. This event is called the Harvest Festival. It has been held on the third weekend in August for over 50 years.
