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Douglas County Historical Society

Alexandria, MN 56308

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         Who Was Knute Nelson?

Knute Nelson served the people of Minnesota as a public office holder for over 50 years.  Born in Norway in 1843, he came to Alexandria in 1871 as a young attorney.

Knute Nelson was elected to the Minnesota legislature serving two terms in the United
States Congress before becoming the state's first foreign-born governor from 1893 until 1895. He then served in the United States Senate with distinction for 28 years, where he championed such causes as conservation, a federal income tax, and pure food and drug legislation.

Knute Nelson claimed a homestead in Alexandria in 1871.  He built a small farm house on the property in 1874.  As his political career progressed, he make additions to the house, adding a formal living room and large bedroom in 1900.  He completed the present structure in 1915 with the addition of a dining room and kitchen on the main floor and four more bedrooms on the second story.

Knute Nelson's will provide that following the death of his daughter, Ida, the house be given to the Norwegian Lutheran Church as a Home for the Aged.  It served in that capacity for 38 years.  In 1978, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

His life was one of public service.  The house he built now serves the public.  On October 1, 1987, the Knute Nelson House became the headquarters of the Douglas County Historical Society.  The turn of the century house has been completely restored, with many of the original furnishings intact.  As you share the warmth of this historic house, you are invited to become part of discovering and preserving history through participation and membership in the Douglas County Historical Society.

The Knute nelson monument stands in front of the state capitol, Saint Paul, MN. The statue at the left portrays the immigrants mother and her son, at the top U.S. Senator Knute Nelson, and right, the Civil War soildier.

(The Knute Nelson monument stands in front of the state capitol, Saint Paul, MN.  The statue at the left portrays the immigrant mother and her son, at the top U.S. Senator Knute Nelson, and right, the Civil War solider.)

 

Last modified: 11/27/06