Underwood landmark part of Sesquicentennial
Published Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Photo by Tom Hintgen
As part of the Minnesota Sesquicentennial celebration Underwood will enhance Fort Juleson east of town. The fort site is a symbol of settlers coming together following the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana in 1876.
Many people driving about two miles east of Underwood, along Highway 210, see a flagpole atop a hill on the north side of the highway. In 1876 the site became known as Fort Juleson.
Settlers took precautions for protection following the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana. There were fears that violence could spread eastward. Their fears, however, never came to pass. Nonetheless, over the years, the fort site became a symbol of pioneer unification.
This year, as part of Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial celebration, Underwood will enhance the fort site and blend in Fort Juleson’s history with the annual Underwood Harvest Festival.
Most communities in Otter Tail County, including Underwood, have local celebrations. Many towns are making plans to combine their local events with the state’s 150th anniversary.
Working with Underwood civic leaders on the Fort Juleson project are Bob Block, Sesquicentennial ambassador for the western part of Otter Tail County, and Chris Schuelke, executive director of the Otter Tail County Historical Society.
On May 11 Minnesota will officially reach its 150th anniversary. On that date, in 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state to become part of the United States of America. This event took place just three years before the start of the Civil War.
Minnesota was the first state to volunteer a regiment after President Abraham Lincoln's called for union troops in 1861. The war ended in April 1865.
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