HISTORY

CHERT QUARRY

A prehistoric chert quarry used by Indigenous people for over 8,000 years is still visible in a small wooded area near the town of Grand Meadow. Nearly 100 pits, dug with handheld tools to reach the hard stone (“chert”) that was needed for making everyday tools, can be seen. Preserved by The Archaeological Conservancy since 1994, the site is being developed for self-guided walking tours for school groups and the public through a partnership between the Mower County Historical Society and the Prairie Island Indian Community. With signs in Dakota and English, visitors will learn about the quarry and the role of chert in the lives of Dakota-speaking people for over 8,000 years. The site will be open May through October beginning in 2024. A unique exhibit covering 12,000 years of Native American history in southeastern Minnesota is currently open daily at the Mower County Historical Society on the Fairgrounds in Austin. It includes the full story of the Chert Quarry along with artifacts made from Grand Meadow Chert that have been found in the region.

Grand Army of the Republic Hall Post 130

207 S Main St, Grand Meadow 507-437-6082 www.mowercountyhistory.org Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the GAR Hall is one of only two remaining in Minnesota. Booth Post 130 was organized January 23, 1885 with 16 charter members, and the building was constructed in 1891. The hall houses Civil War memorabilia from the post and the surrounding area. Tours by appointment.

Adams Area Historical Society and History Center

322 West Main Street PO Box 145, Adams www.adamsmnhistory.com

Armed Forces Museum Inside the American Legion

319 Main Street P.O. Box 165, Adams, MN 507-582-3266

LeRoy Area History Museum

LeRoy Area History Museum http://leroymuseum.weebly.com

Lyle Historical Society

MOWER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

1303 6th Ave SW, Austin 507-437-6082 www.mowercountyhistory.org The Mower County Historical Society preserves the history of Mower County using 17 buildings and 11 outdoor themed exhibits. Take a tour of an original building from the early days of George A. Hormel and Co., explore steam engine locomotive 1004, or search for your ancestors in the Research Library. The Administration Building and Research Library are open year-round. The Historical Society is perfect for family outings, student groups, and those who just want to see what it was like “in the old days.” Open to the public. Site tours available.