BRECKENRIDGE, MINNESOTA

Breckenridge, MN is located at the headwaters of the Red River of the North. The Red is formed by the union of the Bois de Sioux (Sioux Wood River) and Otter Tail River and forms the boundary between Minnesota and North Dakota. At this convergence, the Red River begins its unique northward flow almost 550 miles to Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Red River of the North is the longest flowing river in America.

Early Settlement
Fur traders first discovered the headwaters in 1734. These pioneers included Scots, English and French-Canadians who established a number of trading posts on the riverbanks. In 1851, treaties with the Sioux and Chippewa Indian Nations opened these former hunting grounds to settlement.

On January 30, 1857, an expedition of ten men settled on the future site of Breckenridge in the Minnesota Territory. The promise of the enormous wealth that could be generated because of the fur trading and the River traffic lured speculators to build "another Chicago" which was named for John C. Breckinridge, the Vice President of the United States. Although spelled correctly with an "i" on the original plat, over time, the "i" in the name became an "e". Beginning in 1859 the area's first steamboat, the Anson Northrup steamed north to Canada launching an era of steam navigation that centered in Breckenridge.

On August 23, 1862, Breckenridge was destroyed by Sioux Indians. The combined effects of the Indian uprising and the Civil War led to the virtual abandonment of the town in 1862. Although speculators moved on, the valley area became settled and supplies were hauled by ox-cart from St. Paul to Breckenridge and thence by boat to their destinations down river.

Transportation
The coming of the railroad in 1871 completely changed the nature of the area and its development. While responsible for much of the growth of Breckenridge and the Red River Valley, the railroad combined with low water years in 1911 and 1912 were responsible for the disappearance of steamboat traffic and commercial navigation on the Red River.

Railroading diminished greatly in Breckenridge in the 1960's and 1970's. Today the once bustling train depot stands empty and unused. While there is no passenger service, many freight trains run through the city on a daily basis, supporting the areas vast agricultural economy which is rich in sugarbeets, wheat, barley, sunflowers, soybeans, corn and other grains.

Present
In 2000, acknowledging its river heritage, Breckenridge hosted the Red River Millennium Canoe Tour, which featured canoeists paddling the 550 miles from Breckenridge to Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada. (http://www.disasterrelief.org/Library/Gallery/flood.html)

Breckenridge is also participating in a series of nationally promoted US75 Historic King of Trails events. The promotion is designed to draw attention to the historic road system that ran from Mexico to Canada along Highway 75 including the Prairie Passage section, which runs from Luverne, MN through Breckenridge, and north to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (http://www.globalindex.com/comindex/mn/welcome.htm).

Project Breckenridge

View the Breckenridge Photo Gallery.