The original plat of Zumbrota was filed in 1856
As settlers were making there way west, Minnesota was now on the edge of the frontier.
C.W. Smith built a cabin as well as other setlers. It was said that there were but four buildings in Zumbrota. Ezra Wilder's Hotel thatwas part of his dwelling and three houses of which one was a lob cabin. C.W. Smiths Cabin became the first hotel.
Ezra Wilder built an addition to his dwelling of twenty feet by sixty feet. That enlarge the hotel to 31 sleeping rooms.
The first store was built & Thomas P. Kellet conducted selling groceries & drygoods.
The First Congregational Church was founded, organized in 1856.
A post office was established and Thomas P. Kellett. Mail was mailed and picked up in Red Wing before this date. After the post office was established the mail was serviced through the stage.
Another source states, Church was organized by Pastor Davis Andrew.
Miss. Lizzie Shedd taught in the 1st school which was held on the second floor above the store of Thomas P. Kellet. Meeting & chuch was held there also.
The 1st marriage was in May.
The first death was John Cameron in December
The country had fell into a recession in the late 1850's. It was said that in Zumbrota it was known as the Johnny Cake year as corn meal was about all one had other than wild animals that were hunted.
The first town meeting & elections were conducted on on July 5th, 1858
Minnesota becomes the 32nd State in May of 1858
Zumbrota Farmers were selling their wheat for 59cents a bushel but had to haul it to Red Wing in their wagons. Sleeping under a wagon was a common occurrence to keep costs down while away from home.
The population in 1860 was 228 Citizens.
The Civil War Years
It was said that on the out break of the Great Rebellion, the population of Zumbrota was at 206 citizens. It was said that there were right at 65 dwellings and 57 families living there. It was said that there were numbers of 48 men that had enlisted as listing Zumbrota as their home. This then eqauls 1/4 of Zumbrota's population giving way to what could be called, patriotic numbers.
A Call To Arms is sent out through Goodhue County to raise a company of men in Red Wing and through out the Civil War, Zumbrota men will answer the Call. The Boys from Zumbrota met the call for that call as well as others.
The First Congregational Church was built. Another source state the Congregational Society built a church in 1861. This could be the same chuch.
As the Third Minnesota Regiment is being formed, The ladies of Zumbrota gather bedding and clothing to the amount of One Hundred Dallors to donate to the Regiment.
There ia a large war meeting on a Tuesday night in Zumbrota. Fifteen men inlist for the cause and $678.00 are raised as a volunteer aid fund.
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 and in Hasting was The Hasting Rangers.
Widows of the men killed by the Indian Attacks are voted an allowance of four dallors a week for a period of one year.
A Public school was erected.
Ezra Wilder sold his hotel to G.R. Gossen
What could you get for your money in Zumbrota 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.
