Northfield, Minnesota

Northfield is a city in Rice County, Minnesota. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 17,147. A small part of the city extends into Dakota County.

Tourism

On September 7, 1876, outlaw Jesse James and his buddies disturbed the contentment of Northfield when they tried to rob a bank in downtown Northfield. Armed citizens resisted the robbers and thwarted the theft but not before the bank's cashier - also Carleton's treasurer - was murdered. A couple of the James-Younger gang were killed (the skeleton of one was displayed in the Historical Society museum -- see below -- for many years) and a couple more arrested. Jesse and Frank James fled to South Dakota. The bank building has since been converted to a museum operated by the Northfield Historical Society. The bank is still in operation half a block away. One result of the attempted robbery is an outdoor festival, The Defeat of Jesse James Days, held each September to commemorate the event. The festival is among the largest outdoor celebrations in Minnesota. Thousands of visitors witness reenactments of the robbery, watch championship rodeo, enjoy a carnival, explore arts and crafts expostions, and attend musical performances. Another result was a Hollywood movie which portrayed the bedraggled James brothers riding off into the mountains west of town. In reality the mountains are about 1,200 miles west of town.

Related Topics:
September 7 - 1876 - Jesse James - James-Younger gang - September

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A non-profit, Northfield Citizens Online (NCO), maintains a community weblog called Northfield.org that includes online discussions, a directory of websites for the area, and a civic blogosphere project.

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The Carleton College Cowling Arboretum is a sizeable, well-established arboretum and nature preserve adjacent to Carleton College.

Related Topics:
Carleton College Cowling Arboretum - Arboretum - Carleton College

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