History of greater Mankato
History of Greater Mankato
Mankato was inhabited by Lakota-speaking Dakota Sioux when Parsons K. Johnson and Henry Jackson staked claim to the city in 1852. Mankato was originally named “Mahkato,” meaning greenishblue earth, by early inhabitants, but legend says it may have been accidentally changed due to a typographical error made by a clerk. Mankato was settled at the confluence of the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers. The land was purchased in a treaty between the Dakota and the government. In 1862, the government broke this treaty, which led to the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862. That conflict resulted in the largest one-day mass execution in U.S. history, the site of which is commemorated by the statue of the Buffalo at Reconciliation Park (100 E. Main Street, F-5).
Greater Mankato has many historical attractions that are must-sees for visitors. The Betsy-Tacy houses (332 & 333 Center Street, E-5) are a must for any lover of literature. Betsy’s house is the home of author Maud Hart Lovelace. Lovelace, whose books are set in Mankato, is the real-life character of Betsy. The Betsy-Tacy houses are National Literary Landmarks. Tours of both houses are available. Sinclair Lewis (315 S. Broad Street, F-5), another favorite author who loved the landscape and friendliness of Mankato, had a summer home here. He wrote much of his novel Main Street while in Mankato.
Sinclair Lewis Home Buffalo at Reconciliation Park In 1880, Mankato was the fourth largest city in Minnesota with a population of 5,500. Today, more than 50,000 people call Mankato home. North Mankato sits across the river from Mankato and was established in 1898.
34
Betsy's House
Winter Warrior Statue
visitgreatermankato.com