It was said that the first claims in Vasa were of a Swedish party that was led by Hans Mattson. You will see those words hilighted again on this page. It was said that the area was chosen for its available water, the parrie and timber. Among others in the party were said to be, Gustaf Kempe, S.J. Willard, Peter Green & Charles Roos.
It was not long and the first crops were raised & other settlers were finding their way to Vasa.
The first church services were held.
Rev. Eric Norelius founded the Swedish Lutheran church.
In November, Hans Mattson & Cherstie Peterson were of the first marriage in the township and it was siad that Rev. J.W. Hancock conducted the ceremony. Another Source makes mention of the date being November 21st, 1855
It was said that in 1856 more than a hundred settlers had made their way to Vasa. Thomas Foley, Edwin Lampson, Andrews Bergman, Christopher McClure, Charles McClure, Ola Pehrson, Thure J. Semblad, Ann Bergdahl, John Border, John A Hollem, AnnaJohnson, PeterGustafson, John A. Hollem, Heinrich Stratman, Bengt Nilson, John Freeman, Phineas S. Fish and many others were among those that settled that year.
The first post office was conducted in this space of time but no date is found as yet. The mail was service by the stage that ran through Vasa from Red Wing to Cannon Falls and beyond.
It was that year that Mr. Boulton conducted teaching school with the first school that was opened.
It was also believed that the Swedish school had begun and was conducted by a James Engberg.
Elisha Rich, Peter Monson, Burt Chilberg, Swan Tufeson, Luther Dodge, Charles E. Bolander, Elisha Rich, Peter Nelson, Burt Chilberg, Laura Babcock, John Melander, Charles Backman, Gustaf Carlson, Simon Erick, Charles W. Himmelman, Swan Tufeson, Polly Arnold, Thomas Foley, and many others came to the area that year. Erik Norelious came in August that year.
The first elections were in 1858 for the township of Vasa.
Minnesota becomes the 32nd State in May of 1858
The population in 1860 was 436 citizens.
The Civil War Years
A Call To Arms is sent through out Goodhue County to raise a company of men.
The Boys from Vasa 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 Vasa 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.
