Northfield is a city in Minnesota. Historically, it is famous
for the "defeat of Jesse James." It is also one of the most
fragrant cities in the United States because of the local
Malt-O-Meal plant.
On September 7, 1876, the James
Younger gang rode into town with the intention of robbing the
First National Bank of Northfield. Northfield citizens, tipped
off by their suspicious behavior, engaged in a quick but fierce
firefight with the gang, resulting in the deaths of two citizens
and two gang members. Six other gang members were variously
wounded and fled south; four were captured two weeks later just
50 miles from Northfield.
Malt-O-Meal was acquired by
POST Consumer Brands in 2016, which is why the Northfield plant
has a large red POST sign. Depending on which cereal is being
produced at the time, the town can be filled with the
distinctive aroma of popcorn, chocolate, and cinnamon.
Northfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (toll free +1-800-658-2548.
State Route 3 The Northfield Convention & Visitors Bureau can help you
plan your trip to Northfield. They provide information on attractions,
featured events, local history, arts and culture, recreation, group
tours, and more.
St. Olaf College St. Olaf College, located on a hill
on the west side of Northfield, was founded by Norwegian immigrants in
1874 and belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Carleton College, One North College Street, ☏ +1 507-646-4000. Carleton
College was founded in 1866. The campus covers an area of 950 acres, of
which 880 acres of the arboretum is open to the public as a nature
preserve and park. The Arboretum was named one of the best running
trails in Minnesota by Runner's World magazine. Walking in the Arboretum
is highly recommended. The Gould Library, which is open to the public,
has a collection of over one million volumes.
Northfield Historical
Society (408 Division St, ☏ +1 507-645-9268). The site of the bank
attack, restored to its original condition. Bullet holes on the wall are
real. Tours and souvenirs are available.
Depot Diner.... .a Museum,
217 Water St S (Hwy 3 to 3rd St W east to parking lot. Or just across
the downtown pedestrian bridge from the library), dean@artonwater.com.
Thursday 4-7PM, Friday-Saturday 1-4PM. museum - interesting collection
of nature, science, technology and art. The Museum Store sells local
fossils, collectibles, scientific posters, antiques, and used nonfiction
science/nature books.
Defeat of Jesse James Days Celebration
On September 7, 1876, the
James Young Gang attempted to rob the First National Bank of Northfield.
Local citizens, aware of the situation, armed themselves and resisted
the robbers, successfully thwarting the theft. The robbers killed bank
teller Joseph Lee Haywood and Swedish immigrant Nicholas Gustafson.
Several of the gang members were killed on the street, and Cole, Bob,
and Jim Younger were cornered near Madelia, Minnesota. Jesse and Frank
James fled west to the Dakota Territory, where the remaining gang
members were killed or taken into custody. When the James Gang is
considered in connection with the postwar rebellion, this raid is
sometimes called the last major incident of the American Civil War. Two
slogans often used in Northfield are "Jesse James slipped in here,"
based on the failed raid, and "Get a gun, rob a bank!" as the alarm
sounded by hardware store merchant J.S. Allen spurred the Northfield men
into action. In the Bob Younger's horse was killed and Frank James
assassinated First Nations Bank teller Joseph Lee Haywood. Swedish
immigrant Nikolaus Gustafsson was shot in the head by Cole Younger and
died of his wounds four days later. Alonzo Banker, a bank employee, was
shot in the shoulder while trying to flee.
The event became the
basis for an annual outdoor heritage celebration called The Defeat of
Jesse James Days. Held the weekend after Labor Day, it is one of
Minnesota's largest outdoor celebrations. Thousands of visitors witness
a reenactment of the robbery on Division Street outside the First
National Bank in Northfield. Other events at the festival include a
championship rodeo, carnival, car show, parade, arts and crafts
exhibits, and musical performances. Many food stations will be set up in
Bridge Square, and live music will be performed at night in a tent at
the Water Street Entertainment Center. Antique horseshoes will be hidden
in public places throughout the city, and whoever finds them will win
the year's prize.
Riverwalk Market Fair (the art of the Minnesota summer Saturday),
downtown Northfield along the Cannon River (Division Street at Bridge
Square is the center of town). early June through late October: 9:00
a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00
p.m., from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The
Riverwalk Market Fair takes place along the beautiful Canon Riverfront
in historic Northfield. In addition to arts and crafts by area artists,
locally grown produce, and artisan foods, the Riverwalk Market Fair also
features live entertainment, family activities, and special events.
Free.
Theater and exhibits sponsored by the Northfield Arts Guild.
There are art exhibits and a gift store featuring locally made crafts
such as pottery, jewelry, and cards. Plays at the Northfield Arts Guild
(NAG) Theater. See website for current plays and exhibits.
St. Olaf
Christmas Festival. First Thursday after Thanksgiving. One of the
nation's premier choral events, held by St. Olaf College since 1912. It
is nationally broadcast on public radio and television. Tickets are hard
to come by, so get yours early.
Crazy Days. Usually the last Thursday
in July each year, downtown area businesses offer discounts and sell on
the street.
Northfield, Minnesota, a quaint college town about 40 miles south of
the Twin Cities, is best known for its historic downtown, two
prestigious liberal arts colleges (St. Olaf and Carleton), and the
infamous 1876 bank raid by the Jesse James-Younger gang, which ended in
disaster for the outlaws. With a population hovering around 20,000, the
city blends Midwestern charm with a subtle undercurrent of eerie
history, fueled by its 19th-century roots in milling, farming, and
frontier life. While not as notoriously spooky as larger Minnesota
haunts like the Glensheen Mansion or Anoka's "Halloween Capital" status,
Northfield harbors its share of ghostly legends—often tied to tragic
deaths, unexplained phenomena, and lingering spirits from its past.
Abandoned places here are fewer and more subtle, often remnants of
economic shifts or disasters, but they add to the town's atmospheric
allure. Below, I'll delve into the most notable haunted legends and
abandoned sites, drawing from local lore, eyewitness accounts, and
historical records.
Haunted Legends in Northfield
Northfield's
haunted reputation largely centers on its colleges and historic
buildings, where reports of apparitions, strange sounds, and
poltergeist-like activity have persisted for decades. These stories are
amplified by the town's dramatic history, including violent events like
the bank raid, which claimed lives and left a psychic imprint.
St. Olaf College
Founded in 1874 by Norwegian immigrants, St. Olaf
College sits on a picturesque hill overlooking Northfield and is
renowned for its music programs and liberal arts education. However, the
campus is also infamous for paranormal activity across at least four
buildings, making it one of Minnesota's most consistently reported
haunted sites.
Legends here date back to the early 20th century,
with students, staff, and visitors describing encounters that range from
benign to unsettling.
Hilleboe Hall: This dormitory is plagued by
the sounds of children singing nursery rhymes or giggling in empty
hallways, often late at night. Residents have also reported hearing a
piano playing softly from unoccupied rooms, as if an invisible performer
is practicing. Some attribute this to the spirits of children who may
have died during a historical epidemic on campus, though no specific
records confirm it.
Kelsey Theater: Named after a beloved music
professor, Miss Kelsey, who passed away in the building, this
performance space is said to host her ghostly recitals. Witnesses have
seen a spectral woman in period attire seated at the piano on stage, her
fingers moving silently over the keys. Lights flicker during rehearsals,
and props mysteriously relocate, leading some to believe Miss Kelsey is
critiquing modern performances from beyond the grave.
Melby Hall:
Here, apparitions of a man and woman dressed in Victorian-era clothing
have been spotted wandering the corridors or standing in doorways. They
appear as full-bodied figures, sometimes interacting with each other in
whispered conversations before vanishing. Theories suggest they could be
former faculty or donors from the college's early days, trapped in a
loop of unresolved affairs.
Thorson Hall: Perhaps the most chilling,
this dorm is home to the "Red Hat Boy," a young male spirit accompanied
by his phantom dog. Believed to be a former student who died tragically
(possibly from illness or accident in the early 1900s), he appears
wearing a distinctive red cap, with the sound of a dog's paws clicking
on the floor nearby. Students report feeling a cold breeze or hearing
barking in empty rooms, and some have felt an invisible hand tug at
their clothing.
Campus tours occasionally touch on these tales,
and the college's "ghost file" archives student-submitted stories,
adding to the lore without official endorsement. While skeptics blame
creaky old buildings and overactive imaginations, the consistency of
reports over generations suggests something more ethereal at play.
First National Bank (Site of the Jesse James Raid)
The 1876
attempted robbery of the First National Bank by the Jesse James-Younger
gang is Northfield's defining historical event—a botched heist that
killed two outlaws and two townspeople, while injuring others. The bank
building at 329 Division Street now houses a museum dedicated to the
raid, but legends persist of ghostly remnants from that fateful
September day.
Visitors and staff have reported hearing muffled
gunshots echoing in the empty vault, shadowy figures darting across the
lobby, and the sensation of being "locked in" or unable to leave the
premises, as if reliving the chaos. One chilling account describes a man
who felt an invisible force preventing him from exiting, accompanied by
whispers of "Can't get out"—possibly echoing the desperation of the
trapped robbers. The spirits are thought to include Joseph Lee Heywood,
the bank cashier murdered during the raid, or even Jesse James himself,
whose ghost is said to wander sites tied to his crimes. Annual
reenactments during the Defeat of Jesse James Days festival sometimes
stir up activity, blending history with the supernatural.
Archer
House River Inn
Built in 1877 as the Stewart Hotel (later renamed
Archer House), this once-grand riverfront inn at 212 Division Street was
a hub for travelers, rumored to have operated as a brothel in its early
days.
Guests reported eerie occurrences like doors slamming shut,
footsteps in empty hallways, and apparitions of women in Victorian
dresses—possibly former "ladies of the night" or victims of untimely
deaths. One Yelp reviewer chose it specifically for its haunted
reputation, noting cold spots and whispers. A devastating fire in
November 2020 gutted the building, leading to partial collapse and its
declaration as a total loss. Even in ruins, locals whisper of increased
activity, with shadows seen amid the debris and a lingering sense of
unrest.
Abandoned Places in and Near Northfield
Northfield's
abandoned sites are often tied to economic decline, fires, or urban
decay, offering urban explorers (with permission and caution) glimpses
into forgotten eras. Trespassing is illegal and dangerous, so stick to
public views or guided access.
Archer House River Inn Site: As
mentioned, the 2020 fire left this 143-year-old landmark in ruins, with
sections collapsing in 2021. The charred facade and debris-strewn lot
now stand abandoned downtown, a stark contrast to its former vibrancy.
Plans for redevelopment have stalled, leaving it a magnet for ghost
hunters who claim the fire stirred dormant spirits.
Abandoned Store
Near I-35 and MN-19: This weathered building on the outskirts of
Northfield once served as a gas station, antique store, barber shop, and
convenience mart (last known as Gram's Corner Fuel and Mart).
It
evoked an Old West vibe with its faded signage and overgrown lot but was
demolished between 2016 and 2019. The site remains vacant, a subtle scar
on the landscape, with locals speculating it was left due to ownership
disputes or contamination.
498 Water Street House: This
residential property in central Northfield stands eerily abandoned, with
boarded windows and overgrown yards drawing curiosity. Reddit
discussions reveal it was sold to a local investment group in 2021,
likely after the elderly owner passed away or became unable to maintain
it. No major scandals are tied to it, but its isolated decay fuels urban
legends of hidden secrets within.
Abandoned Railroad Tracks and
Foundations: In Northfield's industrial areas, remnants of old rail
lines—tracks, ties, and building foundations—lie forgotten, overgrown
with weeds. These date to the city's milling heyday in the late 1800s,
when railroads were vital. They evoke a sense of lost prosperity, with
explorers noting eerie silence broken only by wind through the ruins.
Nearby Ghost Towns: Lewiston and Wasioja: Just northeast in Winona
County (about 50 miles away), Lewiston was a thriving 19th-century town
larger than Northfield, boasting a horseracing track and hotel, but
bypassed by railroads. Today, only the 1860 schoolhouse (now Sciota
Township Hall) remains amid fields. Further south, Wasioja's seminary
ruins stand as a Civil War-era relic, where many young men never
returned from battle, leaving a haunted aura. These sites offer day-trip
extensions for those seeking broader abandonment vibes.
Northfield's blend of history and mystery makes it a hidden gem for
paranormal enthusiasts, though much of the lore relies on oral
traditions rather than documented proof. If you're visiting, respect
private property and consider joining local history tours for safe
insights. For more, the Northfield Historical Society archives provide
context on these tales.
Depot Diner - Museum and store (Art on Water), 217 Water St. (just
across the pedestrian bridge from Division), dean@artonwater.com.
Thursdays 4-7PM, Fridays Saturdays 1-4PM. encyclopedic collection of
rare, unusual and antique items. Fossils, rocks, antiques from around
the world, blue plates, and oddities for sale.
Sketch Artist" 300
Division Street S, ☏ +1 507-645-2811. open all week. Original art
supplies and gift boutique in lovely downtown Northfield, MN. They have
a large selection of high quality art supplies and environmentally
friendly products. Gifts include a fun selection of cards, paper,
Japanese ceramics, novelties, journals, and children's items. Local art
is also on display and for sale. Whether you are an artist or not, if
you are looking for something unique and off the beaten path, this is
definitely the place to go!
con.tent, 314 Division Street
Specializing in new and used books. Also hosts reading events.
Rare
Pair, 401 Division Street. Quality shoes, clothing and accessories for
both men and women.
Paper Petalum, 212 Division St. Quality
Scandinavian gifts.
Northfield, Minnesota, is a small city situated in the southeastern
part of the state, primarily within Rice County, with a minor extension
into neighboring Dakota County. It serves as an exurb of the
Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, located approximately 35 to 40
miles south of the Twin Cities' downtown cores, making it accessible yet
distinct from the urban sprawl. The city's geographic coordinates are
44°27′30″N 93°09′42″W, placing it in a transitional zone between the
prairie landscapes of southern Minnesota and the more wooded areas to
the north. According to U.S. Census data, Northfield covers a total area
of about 8.61 square miles (22.30 km²), of which 8.56 square miles
(22.17 km²) is land and a mere 0.05 square miles (0.13 km², or roughly
0.58%) is water. This compact footprint reflects its origins as a
19th-century river town founded in 1855, nestled in a mixed-farming
region that has evolved into a blend of residential, educational, and
agricultural land uses.
The surrounding region is part of the broader
Cannon River Valley, which influences much of the local geography.
Northfield is bordered by agricultural fields to the south and west,
with nearby towns like Dundas and Faribault, and it benefits from
proximity to major transportation routes, including Minnesota State
Highways 3, 19, and 246, while Interstate 35 runs about 6 miles to the
west. This positioning has historically supported economic activities
tied to the land, such as farming and milling, while today it fosters a
community centered around two prominent liberal arts colleges: Carleton
College and St. Olaf College, which occupy significant portions of the
city's elevated terrain.
Northfield's topography is defined by its location in the Minnesota
and Northeast Iowa Morainal Section, a landform shaped by glacial
activity during the Pleistocene epoch. This results in a gently rolling
landscape typical of end moraines—hilly deposits left by retreating
glaciers—with subtle variations in elevation that create a picturesque,
undulating terrain. The city rises gradually from the central Cannon
River valley to higher ground on both the east and west sides, forming a
natural amphitheater-like setting around the river. Elevation ranges
from a minimum of approximately 879 feet (268 meters) above sea level
near the riverbanks to a maximum of 1,112 feet (339 meters) on the
upland areas, with an average elevation of around 978 feet (298 meters).
The peak elevation within the city limits is about 912 feet (278
meters), though surrounding hills can reach slightly higher. This
vertical relief, while modest (total variation of about 233 feet),
contributes to scenic views, natural drainage patterns, and
microclimates, with the higher eastern and western ridges providing
vantage points over the valley.
The terrain is predominantly upland
with loamy deposits, interspersed with small valleys and ravines carved
by tributaries of the Cannon River. There are no major mountain ranges
or dramatic escarpments, but the morainal features include
knob-and-kettle topography—small hills (knobs) and depressions (kettles)
formed by glacial ice blocks melting in place. This landscape supports
diverse land cover, from urban development in the core to remnant
prairies and woodlands on the outskirts. Floodplains along the river are
limited but prone to occasional inundation, as evidenced by designated
flood zones in city maps. Overall, the topography facilitates outdoor
recreation, such as biking and hiking trails, while posing minor
challenges for infrastructure like road maintenance on sloped areas.
At the heart of Northfield's geography is the Cannon River, a
tributary of the Mississippi River that bisects the city from north to
south, shaping its development and identity. The river, which originates
in Le Sueur County and flows for about 112 miles before joining the
Mississippi, provides the primary water feature, with its banks hosting
downtown areas like Bridge Square—a central public space with walkways,
parks, and historical sites. Historically, the Cannon powered gristmills
and dams, such as the preserved Ames Mill Dam, which once harnessed its
flow for industry. Today, it supports recreational activities including
canoeing, fishing, and scenic trails, while also influencing local
ecology by creating riparian habitats for wildlife like birds, fish, and
amphibians.
Water bodies are minimal beyond the river, accounting for
only 0.05 square miles of the city's area, primarily consisting of the
Cannon's channel and small associated wetlands or ponds. No large lakes
exist within city limits, though nearby Prairie Creek and other
tributaries feed into the system. Groundwater resources are tied to
underlying aquifers in the sedimentary bedrock, supporting municipal
wells. Environmental concerns include water quality, with efforts to
mitigate runoff from agricultural lands upstream, and occasional
flooding, though the city's elevation gradient helps with natural
drainage.
Northfield experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen
classification Dfa), characterized by four distinct seasons with
significant temperature swings and moderate precipitation. The average
annual temperature is approximately 46.2°F (7.9°C), with winters being
cold and snowy, and summers warm and humid. January, the coldest month,
sees average lows around 4°F (-15.6°C) and highs in the mid-20s°F
(-4°C), while July, the warmest, features highs up to 82°F (27.8°C) and
lows in the low 60s°F (16°C). Extreme temperatures can dip below -30°F
(-34°C) in winter or exceed 95°F (35°C) in summer, influenced by polar
air masses from the north and humid Gulf air from the south.
Annual
precipitation averages 35.5 inches (902 mm), distributed fairly evenly
but peaking in summer with thunderstorms that can bring heavy rains and
occasional severe weather like tornadoes. Snowfall totals around 50-60
inches per year, blanketing the landscape from November to March. The
growing season lasts about 150-160 days, from mid-May to early October,
supporting agriculture. Climate change impacts, such as increased
extreme weather events, are a local priority, with the city emphasizing
sustainability initiatives to address rising temperatures and variable
precipitation patterns. The region's continental setting means low
humidity in winter but muggy conditions in summer, with prevailing winds
from the northwest in cold months and south in warm ones.
Geologically, Northfield lies in a region dominated by Paleozoic-era
sedimentary bedrock, primarily marine deposits from ancient seas,
including sandstone, shale, dolomitic limestone, and dolostone. These
formations date back to the Ordovician and Cambrian periods (about
485-541 million years ago) and underlie the area at varying depths,
often exposed in quarries or river cuts. Overlying this is a mantle of
Quaternary glacial till and outwash from the Wisconsin glaciation
(ending about 10,000 years ago), which formed the morainal landscape.
This glacial history accounts for the area's boulder-strewn fields,
drumlins, and eskers—elongated ridges of gravel—though most are subdued
in Northfield proper. The Cannon River has further sculpted the terrain
through erosion, creating valleys and terraces.
Soils in Northfield
are predominantly of the Northfield series, classified as well-drained,
loamy soils that are shallow to a lithic (rock) contact with underlying
sandstone. These are part of the broader Mollisol order common in
southern Minnesota's prairie regions—dark, fertile topsoils rich in
organic matter from decomposed grasses, ideal for agriculture. Suborders
like Hapludolls dominate, with high base saturation and moderate
permeability, supporting crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and dairy
farming. Soil organic matter is linked to magnetic mineral content in
local agricultural fields, reflecting glacial iron-rich deposits.
Erosion is a concern on slopes, but the soils' productivity has
sustained the area's farming heritage.
Northfield's geography supports a mosaic of land uses, with about 60% urban or developed (including residential neighborhoods, colleges, and downtown commercial areas), 30% agricultural (farms on the periphery growing corn, soybeans, and hogs), and the remainder in natural or recreational spaces like parks and river corridors. The Cannon River valley serves as a green corridor, with bikeways, pedestrian networks, and conserved wetlands enhancing biodiversity. Environmental efforts focus on sustainability, including flood zone management, pavement conditions for runoff control, and climate adaptation strategies. The city's location in a transitional ecoregion—between tallgrass prairie and deciduous forest—supports remnant oak savannas and floodplain forests, though much has been altered by settlement. Challenges include balancing growth with preservation, such as protecting groundwater from agricultural pollutants, while opportunities lie in eco-tourism along the river and trails.
Founding and Early Settlement
Northfield, Minnesota, was founded
in 1855 by John W. North, an abolitionist and land speculator from New
England, along with his brother-in-law George Loomis. North, who had
previously moved from St. Anthony Falls, Minnesota, settled in the
Cannon River valley on land recently ceded by the Dakota tribe. They
established essential infrastructure, including a sawmill, gristmill,
and bridge over the river, which facilitated early growth. The town was
platted in October 1855 into 95 rigid blocks, attracting settlers who
shared progressive values such as support for women's rights,
temperance, abolitionism, education, and mutual community aid. These
early inhabitants were primarily "Yankees" – descendants of English
Puritans who had migrated westward as part of New England's expansion
efforts. The financial panic of 1857 nearly bankrupted the Norths,
leading them to sell their assets in 1859 to Charles Wheaton, who
briefly operated the flour mill before selling it to Jesse Ames and
Sons. The Ames family expanded the milling operations, earning
recognition for producing the best flour at the 1876 Centennial
Exposition in Philadelphia.
Economic Development and Agriculture
From its inception, Northfield developed as an agricultural hub, with
wheat and corn farms dominating the landscape, supported by lumber and
flour mills powered by the Cannon River. The arrival of the Minneapolis
and Cedar Valley Railroad in 1865 connected the town to urban markets,
boosting the transport of farm products and spurring further growth. As
the wheat frontier moved westward in the late 19th century, the local
economy shifted toward dairy farming and diversified crops. By the 20th
century, corn, soybeans, and hog production became prominent. In 1927,
the Ames mill was sold to L.G. Campbell, who founded the Campbell Cereal
Company, producing Malt-O-Meal hot cereal. Although the company's
headquarters later moved to Minneapolis, Northfield remains its sole
global production site, serving as a lasting remnant of the town's wheat
boom era. The downtown grain elevator ceased operations in 2000 and was
demolished in 2002, marking the end of an agricultural chapter. The
city's original motto, "Cows, Colleges, and Contentment," later updated
to "Cows, Colleges, and Community," encapsulates this blend of dairy
farming and educational institutions.
Education and Higher
Learning
Education has been central to Northfield's identity since
its early days. The first school opened in 1856 with 25 students, and
the independent school district was established in 1874, with its
inaugural graduating class in 1877 consisting entirely of seven girls.
Higher education took root with the founding of Northfield College in
1866 by the Minnesota Conference of Congregational Churches, comprised
of the Yankee settlers who established the town. Preparatory classes
began in 1867 on the northern edge of town, and in 1871, it was renamed
Carleton College after a $50,000 donation from Massachusetts
manufacturer William Carleton – the largest gift to a western college at
the time. Today, Carleton enrolls about 1,900 students and is renowned
as a liberal arts institution.
In 1874, Norwegian Lutheran immigrant
pastors and farmers, led by Rev. B.J. Muus and Harold Thorsen, founded
St. Olaf School (later St. Olaf College) on the western edge of town to
preserve their cultural and religious heritage by training teachers and
preachers. Initially using public school buildings, college-level
classes started in 1886, with formal establishment in 1889. St. Olaf now
has around 3,000 students and contributes to Northfield's status as a
college town, with over 5,000 students combined from both institutions.
The Jesse James Raid and Its Legacy
One of Northfield's most
infamous events occurred on September 7, 1876, when the James-Younger
Gang – including Jesse and Frank James, the three Younger brothers
(Cole, Jim, and Bob), Charlie Pitts, Clell Miller, and Bill Chadwell –
attempted to rob the First National Bank. Three gang members entered the
bank but could not open the time-locked vault. Alerted by a merchant who
noticed the suspicious activity, townspeople armed themselves from local
hardware stores and engaged the robbers in a seven-minute street
shootout. The gang killed bank cashier Joseph Lee Heywood, who refused
to open the vault, and Swedish immigrant Nicholas Gustafson, who
succumbed to injuries four days later. Two robbers (Miller and Chadwell)
were killed in the street, while the others fled, wounded. The ensuing
manhunt, the largest in U.S. history at the time, led to the capture of
the Younger brothers near Madelia, Minnesota, and the death of Pitts;
the James brothers escaped to Missouri.
Sometimes interpreted as a
postwar insurgency event and the last major incident of the American
Civil War, the raid thwarted the theft and has become a cornerstone of
Northfield's heritage tourism. The original bank building, housed in the
Scriver Building, was restored in 2005 by the Northfield Historical
Society to its 1876 appearance and now serves as a museum with exhibits,
offices, and archives. The event is commemorated annually during the
"Defeat of Jesse James Days," featuring re-enactments, parades, and
rodeos, a tradition spanning over 60 years. Slogans like "Jesse James
Slipped Here" and "Get your guns boys, they're robbing the bank!"
(attributed to hardware merchant J.S. Allen) emerged from the incident.
Incorporation, Modern Growth, and Preservation Efforts
Northfield
was incorporated as a village in 1871 and as a city on February 26,
1875. In the 1970s, the completion of Interstate 35, about six miles
west of town, integrated Northfield into the expanding Minneapolis–Saint
Paul metropolitan area, accelerating residential growth from the
mid-1990s onward. A new hospital opened in 2003 in the northwest corner,
strategically located in Dakota County for better government
reimbursement rates than in Rice County.
Preservation has been a
priority since the late 20th century. In 1978, the city adopted a
heritage preservation ordinance and created the Northfield Heritage
Preservation Commission to protect and enhance historic properties. The
commission maintains an inventory of sites, approves improvements in
designated districts, and produces educational materials like walking
tours of historic neighborhoods and guides to architectural styles. It
collaborates with organizations like the Northfield Downtown Development
Corporation on events promoting heritage. The Northfield Historical
Society, beyond managing the bank museum, offers programs such as Junior
Curators for seventh graders, teaching preservation skills, and the
Student Community Outreach Program Experience (SCOPE), where college
students mentor eighth graders in researching and publishing on local
history. These efforts have preserved the downtown's Victorian character
and earned Northfield recognition, including designation as a Preserve
America Community in July 2008. Today, with a population of around
19,413, Northfield blends its rich historical roots with modern
community life.
According to the 2000 census, Northfield was home to 17,147 people in
4,909 households and 3,210 families. The racial makeup of the population
is 92.6 percent White, 2.4 percent African American, and smaller or
multiple groups. 5.7 percent of the residents consider themselves
Hispanics.
Children under the age of 18 live in 35.4% of the
4,909 households, married couples live in 52.7%, single women live in
9.6% and 34.6% are non-family households. 27.5% of all households
consist exclusively of a single person and 9.6% are single people over
65 years of age. The average household size is 2.53 people, and that of
families is 3.08.
In terms of the entire city, the population
consists of 20.2% residents under the age of 18, 32.1% between 18 and 24
years, 21.0% between 25 and 44 years, 16.1% between 45 and 64 years and
10.5% over 65 years. The median is 23 years. About 52.3% of the
population is female.
The median income for a household is USD
49,972 and for a family USD 61,055. The per capita income is USD 18,619.
About 7.2% of the population and 2.8% of families live below the poverty
line.
Important roads through Northfield are the Minnesota State Routes 3
and 19. Interstate 35 runs ten kilometers to the west. Two rail lines,
the Canadian Pacific Railway and Progressive Rail, also run through the
city.
The nearest airport is further south near Faribault,
Faribault Municipal Airport. The nearest commercial airport,
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, is approximately 30 miles
north of Northfield.
Northfield has six public schools (four primary schools, one intermediate school and one high school) with around 3,800 students, and three private schools. The city is also home to Carleton College and St. Olaf College. Many of the more than 5000 students live in Northfield and ensure a very young population structure in the city.
Edward Fitzgerald (1890–1966), ice hockey player
Harold William
Henry (1909–1976), Roman Catholic minister, Archbishop of Korea
Peter
Agre (born 1949), molecular biologist
Siri Hustvedt (born 1955),
writer
Alexandra Holden (born 1977), actress
Thomas Rüfenacht
(born 1985), ice hockey player
Jackson Erdman (born 1997), football
player