Wasioja, Minnesota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wasioja
|
|
|---|---|
The Civil War recruiting station in Wasioja
|
|
 Wasioja, Minnesota
Location in Minnesota
Wasioja, Minnesota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Dodge |
| Township | Wasioja Township |
| Elevation | 1,168 ft (356 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
55927
|
| Area code(s) | 507 |
| GNIS feature ID | 653827 |
Wasioja is a small, unincorporated community in Dodge County, Minnesota, United States. An unincorporated community means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government.
You can find Wasioja near where Dodge County Roads 9 and 16 meet. Two waterways, the South Branch Middle Fork of the Zumbro River and Dodge Center Creek, also meet here. Other nearby places include Dodge Center, Mantorville, and Kasson.
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1860 | 200 | — | |
| 1870 | 324 | 62.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The History of Wasioja
Wasioja was first settled in 1854. It was officially mapped out, or platted, in 1856. This means its streets and property lines were drawn on a map. A post office opened in Wasioja in 1856 and stayed open until 1911. The name "Wasioja" comes from the native Sioux language and is the name for the Zumbro River.
By 1860, about 1,000 people lived in Wasioja. The community's economy was strong, mainly because of its limestone quarries, lumber, and farming. A school called the Minnesota Seminary also opened near the town in 1860.
However, Wasioja's success didn't last. Three big events caused most people to leave. Many men from the town were lost during the American Civil War. Then, in 1866, the railroad was built on a different route, completely bypassing Wasioja. This meant the town couldn't easily transport goods or people. Finally, Wasioja did not become the main county seat for Dodge County. By 1870, the population had dropped to 800 people.
Historic Places in Wasioja
Most of Wasioja is part of a special historic district. This means the area is protected because of its important past. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Some important historic buildings in Wasioja include:
- The Wasioja Baptist Church
- The Wasioja School
- A Civil War recruiting station, which was used to sign up soldiers
- The stone Andrew Doig House
Also important are the old ruins of the seminary, which is now a local park. The limestone quarries outside of town are also historically significant.
