In 1680, Father Hennepin came through the area. It was said that there was a fort here as well in 1727, Fort Beauharnois and a Trading post of sorts in 1839. The town of Frontenac was laid out in 1852.
The population grew as settlers were sttling here.
Some ofthe settlers that had settled here were Mr. Cone, Mose Kelly, Frank Kelly, Luzon Skinner, Theodore Freeman, E. Munger, Julia Bullard and Judge Gardner was also lingig in the area..
Aaron Hudson conducted the store at that time.
The first post office was established and was conducted by Evert Westervelt.
Another source states Jas. Owens was the first in 1858.Could be two separate post offices.
The first physician in was Doctor Weaver.
There was a saw mill built.
There were various Mercentiles that opened.
The Township was organized and was names after Florence Graham.
Jas. Owens was the first Postmaster. A stage ran through town and serviced the mail.
Another source states Evert Westervelt was the first 1855. Could be two separate post offices.
Minnesota becomes the 32nd State in May of 1858
The town of Embryo City was changed to Frontenac.
Other stlers that sttled in the area were D.T. Weed, E.C. Eaton, Harvey Savage, J. Schneider, John Nute O.S. Cory, H.W. Bailey, C.A. Doane, Fidel Kosh and still others.
The Prespyterian Church was said to be organized in what was said to be West Florence. J.M. Williams was said to have been the Pastor. His salery was eighty dollars a year.
A German Lutheran congregation was organized in Frotenac.
The population in 1860 was 487 citizens.
The Civil War Years
A Call To Arms is sent through out Goodhue County to raise a company of men.
The Boys from Florence answered the call. Some make there way to Red Wing and joined in with the 1st company being formed as well as other future companies. The Goodhue Volunteers soon to become Co. F of the First Minnesota Regiment Volunteer Infantry. Once at Fort Snelling, the call is changed from 90 days to 3 years. Some men come back home not being able to leave their homes for so long a time, but would join in other future regiments that are called to be made.
During the Dakota Conflict, after the Indian attack on New Ulm in August, Companies of Civilian Soldiers were formed to protect the towns across the lands of Minnesota. On August 24,1862 a company of this type was organized in Goodhue County. The Goodhue County Rangers There were 36 men in this company. It was to act as a Home Guard for the area and served until September 22, 1862. It served as the southern defense of the frontier. Some of these companies saw action in the Indain War of 1862 and did have casualties. One other company in Red Wing was The Red Wing Cavalry.
What could you get for your money in Florence in those days?
One Dozen Eggs- 7 Cents, One Dozen Candles- 15 cents, Edds Shirt- 75 cents, Towels- 10 cents, Drawers- 75 cents, Slippers- 50 cents, Dressing Gowns- $1.47, Pillow Cases 12 1/2 cents, Shoes $2.50, Socks- 20 cents and Postage was 10 cents a letter.
