Wasioja, Minnesota Explained

Official Name:Wasioja
Settlement Type:Unincorporated community
Pushpin Map:Minnesota#USA
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Minnesota
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Dodge
Subdivision Type3:Township
Subdivision Name3:Wasioja Township
Timezone:Central (CST)
Utc Offset:-6
Timezone Dst:CDT
Utc Offset Dst:-5
Elevation Ft:1168
Coordinates:44.0803°N -92.8194°W
Postal Code Type:ZIP code
Postal Code:55927
Area Code:507
Blank Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank Info:653827

Wasioja is an unincorporated community in Wasioja Township, Dodge County, Minnesota, United States. The community is located near the junction of Dodge County Roads 9 and 16. The South Branch Middle Fork of the Zumbro River and Dodge Center Creek meet at Wasioja. Nearby places include Dodge Center, Mantorville, and Kasson.

History

Wasioja was settled in 1854[1] and platted in 1856.[2] A post office was established at Wasioja in 1856, and remained in operation until 1911.[3] Wasioja is the native Sioux-language name for the Zumbro River. By 1860, the community's population had reached 1,000, its economy driven by limestone quarries, lumber, and agriculture. In 1860 the Minnesota Seminary was opened on the outskirts of town.[1]

The town's fortunes were ruined by three separate events that led to its abandonment by most of its population. Its male population was decimated by the American Civil War, it was bypassed by the railroad in 1866, in favor of a southern route, and it failed to become the county seat of Dodge County. By 1870 the population had declined to 800.[1]

Historic district

Most of the community is contained within the bounds of a historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Historically significant buildings include the Wasioja Baptist Church, Wasioja School, a Civil War recruiting station, and the stone Andrew Doig House. Also of historic significance are the ruins of the seminary, now a local park, and the limestone quarries on the outskirts of town.[1]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: [{{NRHP url|75000977}} NRHP nomination for Wasioja Historic District]. National Park Service. 2017-11-11.
  2. Book: Upham, Warren . Minnesota Geographic Names: Their Origin and Historic Significance . Minnesota Historical Society . 1920 . 174.
  3. Web site: Dodge County . Jim Forte Postal History . 14 May 2015.