Cottonwood County, Minnesota
Encyclopedia
Cottonwood County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Minnesota
. As of 2010, the population was 11,687. Its county seat
is Windom
.
which runs through the northeast corner of Germantown Township. The river received its name from the abundance of cottonwood trees
on its banks.
Minnesota Governor Austin
appointed three county commissioners when the county was established. They met at a private home about six miles northwest of Windom
on the Des Moines River
at Big Bend. During this meeting, they designated the commissioners districts and changed various county officers. In the fall of 1870, the first general election was held. The first deed on record was filed on January 10, 1870. The first land assessments were made in 1871, and in 1872, the first taxes were paid.
Windom
was declared the county seat
in the 1872 general election and a proclamation was signed by the governor.
through numerous small creeks, the Cottonwood River
and Watonwan River
. The southwest part of the county drains south through the Des Moines River
. These two watershed
s come together at the Mississippi River
near Keokuk, Iowa
. Most wetland
s in the county have been drained
for agricultural use.
of 2000, there were 12,167 people, 4,917 households, and 3,338 families residing in the county. The population density
was 19 people per square mile (7/km²). There were 5,376 housing units at an average density of 8 per square mile (3/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.23% White
, 0.34% Black
or African American
, 0.23% Native American
, 1.63% Asian
, 0.08% Pacific Islander
, 1.35% from other races
, and 1.14% from two or more races. 2.19% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 50.2% were of German and 18.6% Norwegian ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 4,917 households out of which 28.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.10% were married couples
living together, 6.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.10% were non-families. 28.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.00% under the age of 18, 6.50% from 18 to 24, 23.20% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 22.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 94.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $31,943, and the median income for a family was $40,237. Males had a median income of $28,993 versus $19,934 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $16,647. About 7.40% of families and 11.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.40% of those under age 18 and 8.70% of those age 65 or over.
† Most of Comfrey is in Brown County
, but the city extends into Cottonwood County.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
. As of 2010, the population was 11,687. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Windom
Windom, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,490 people, 1,910 households, and 1,195 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,263.6 people per square mile . There were 2,089 housing units at an average density of 587.9 per square mile...
.
History
Cottonwood County was established July, 29, 1870. It was named after the Cottonwood RiverCottonwood River (Minnesota)
The Cottonwood River is a tributary of the Minnesota River, 152 miles long, in southwestern Minnesota in the United States. Via the Minnesota River, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River, draining an area of in an agricultural region...
which runs through the northeast corner of Germantown Township. The river received its name from the abundance of cottonwood trees
Eastern Cottonwood
Populus deltoides, the eastern cottonwood, is a cottonwood poplar native to North America, growing throughout the eastern, central, and southwestern United States, the southernmost part of eastern Canada, and northeastern Mexico.-Description:...
on its banks.
Minnesota Governor Austin
Horace Austin
Horace Austin was an American politician. He served as the sixth Governor of Minnesota from January 9, 1870 to January 7, 1874. He was a Republican....
appointed three county commissioners when the county was established. They met at a private home about six miles northwest of Windom
Windom, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,490 people, 1,910 households, and 1,195 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,263.6 people per square mile . There were 2,089 housing units at an average density of 587.9 per square mile...
on the Des Moines River
Des Moines River
The Des Moines River is a tributary river of the Mississippi River, approximately long to its farther headwaters, in the upper Midwestern United States...
at Big Bend. During this meeting, they designated the commissioners districts and changed various county officers. In the fall of 1870, the first general election was held. The first deed on record was filed on January 10, 1870. The first land assessments were made in 1871, and in 1872, the first taxes were paid.
Windom
Windom, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,490 people, 1,910 households, and 1,195 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,263.6 people per square mile . There were 2,089 housing units at an average density of 587.9 per square mile...
was declared the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
in the 1872 general election and a proclamation was signed by the governor.
| Year | Democrat Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 45.71% 2759 | 52.30% 3157 |
| 2004 | 42.80% 2726 | 55.85% 3557 |
| 2000 | 40.50% 2503 | 54.51% 3369 |
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 648.91 square miles (1,680.7 km²), of which 639.99 square miles (1,657.6 km²) (or 98.63%) is land and 8.91 square miles (23.1 km²) (or 1.37%) is water.Watersheds
The northeast part of the county drains north to the Minnesota RiverMinnesota River
The Minnesota River is a tributary of the Mississippi River, approximately 332 miles long, in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It drains a watershed of nearly , in Minnesota and about in South Dakota and Iowa....
through numerous small creeks, the Cottonwood River
Cottonwood River (Minnesota)
The Cottonwood River is a tributary of the Minnesota River, 152 miles long, in southwestern Minnesota in the United States. Via the Minnesota River, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River, draining an area of in an agricultural region...
and Watonwan River
Watonwan River
The Watonwan River is a tributary of the Blue Earth River, 113 miles long, in southern Minnesota in the United States. Via the Blue Earth and Minnesota Rivers, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River, draining an area of 878 square miles in an agricultural region...
. The southwest part of the county drains south through the Des Moines River
Des Moines River
The Des Moines River is a tributary river of the Mississippi River, approximately long to its farther headwaters, in the upper Midwestern United States...
. These two watershed
Drainage basin
A drainage basin is an extent or an area of land where surface water from rain and melting snow or ice converges to a single point, usually the exit of the basin, where the waters join another waterbody, such as a river, lake, reservoir, estuary, wetland, sea, or ocean...
s come together at the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
near Keokuk, Iowa
Keokuk, Iowa
Keokuk is a city in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Iowa and one of the county seats of Lee County. The other county seat is Fort Madison. The population was 11,427 at the 2000 census. The city is named after the Sauk Chief Keokuk, who is thought to be buried in Rand Park...
. Most wetland
Wetland
A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands are categorised by their characteristic vegetation, which is adapted to these unique soil conditions....
s in the county have been drained
Drainage
Drainage is the natural or artificial removal of surface and sub-surface water from an area. Many agricultural soils need drainage to improve production or to manage water supplies.-Early history:...
for agricultural use.
Lakes
| Des Moines River Watershed | Minnesota River Watershed |
|---|---|
|
Lakeside Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota Lakeside Township is a township in Cottonwood County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 255 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000,... Lakeside Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota Lakeside Township is a township in Cottonwood County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 255 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000,... ; southern two thirds in Jackson County Jackson County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 11,268 people, 4,556 households, and 3,116 families residing in the county. The population density was 16 people per square mile . There were 5,092 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile... Midway Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota Midway Township is a township in Cottonwood County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 297 at the 2000 census.Midway is named for its location on the rail line half way between Sioux City, Iowa and St. Paul, Minnesota... |
Major highways
U.S. Highway 71
Minnesota State Highway 30Minnesota State Highway 30Minnesota State Highway 30 is a highway in southwest and southeast Minnesota, which runs from South Dakota Highway 34 at the South Dakota state line near Airlie and Pipestone, and continues east to its eastern terminus at its intersection with Minnesota Highway 43 in Rushford.Highway 30 is in...
Minnesota State Highway 60Minnesota State Highway 60Minnesota State Highway 60 is a highway in southern Minnesota, which runs from Iowa Highway 60 at the Iowa state line and continues east-northeast to its eastern terminus at the Wisconsin state line , where the route becomes Wisconsin Highway 25 upon crossing the Mississippi River.Highway 60 is...
Minnesota State Highway 62Minnesota State Highway 62 (west)Minnesota State Highway 62 is a highway in southwest Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with U.S. Highway 59 and Murray County Road 2 in Fulda and continues east to its eastern terminus at its intersection with U.S...
Adjacent counties
- Redwood CountyRedwood County, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 16,815 people, 6,674 households, and 4,524 families residing in the county. The population density was 19 people per square mile . There were 7,230 housing units at an average density of 8 per square mile...
(north) - Brown CountyBrown County, MinnesotaBrown County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, the population was 25,893. Its county seat is New Ulm.-Geography:...
(northeast) - Watonwan CountyWatonwan County, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 11,876 people, 4,627 households, and 3,141 families residing in the county. The population density was 27 people per square mile . There were 5,036 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile...
(east) - Martin CountyMartin County, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 21,802 people, 9,067 households, and 6,047 families residing in the county. The population density was 31 people per square mile . There were 9,800 housing units at an average density of 14 per square mile...
(southeast) - Jackson CountyJackson County, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 11,268 people, 4,556 households, and 3,116 families residing in the county. The population density was 16 people per square mile . There were 5,092 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile...
(south) - Nobles CountyNobles County, MinnesotaNobles County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, the population was 21,378. Its county seat is Worthington.-Geography:...
(southwest) - Murray CountyMurray County, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 9,165 people, 3,722 households, and 2,601 families residing in the county. The population density was 13 people per square mile . There were 4,357 housing units at an average density of 6 per square mile...
(west)
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 12,167 people, 4,917 households, and 3,338 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 19 people per square mile (7/km²). There were 5,376 housing units at an average density of 8 per square mile (3/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.23% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.34% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.23% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.63% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.08% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.35% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.14% from two or more races. 2.19% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 50.2% were of German and 18.6% Norwegian ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 4,917 households out of which 28.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.10% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.10% were non-families. 28.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.00% under the age of 18, 6.50% from 18 to 24, 23.20% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 22.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 94.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $31,943, and the median income for a family was $40,237. Males had a median income of $28,993 versus $19,934 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $16,647. About 7.40% of families and 11.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.40% of those under age 18 and 8.70% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and towns
| Cities | Townships | Unincorporated | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Lakeside Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota Lakeside Township is a township in Cottonwood County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 255 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000,... Midway Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota Midway Township is a township in Cottonwood County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 297 at the 2000 census.Midway is named for its location on the rail line half way between Sioux City, Iowa and St. Paul, Minnesota... |
Delft, Minnesota Delft is an unincorporated community located in Cottonwood County, Minnesota at latitude 43.986 and longitude -95.089 . The elevation is 1,453 feet. Delft appears on the Bingham Lake U.S. Geological Survey Map.... |
† Most of Comfrey is in Brown County
Brown County, Minnesota
Brown County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, the population was 25,893. Its county seat is New Ulm.-Geography:...
, but the city extends into Cottonwood County.
County parks
- Dynamite (Great Bend Township)
- Lady Bird (Southbrook Township)
- Pat's Grove (Springfield Township)
- Mountain (Mountain Lake Township)
- Red Rock (Germantown Township)
- South Dutch Charlie (Westbrook Township)
- Talcot Lake (Southbrook Township)
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Cottonwood County, Minnesota
Further reading
- Cottonwood County Minnesota Highway Map, Cottonwood County Highway Department, 2003.
- DeLorme's Minnesota Atlas and Gazetteer (ISBN 0-89933-333-8)