History

Brief History

Stevens County was established on February 20, 1862. It is named after statesman Isaac Ingalls Stevens, who had this county named for him seven years after a legislative clerical error denied him that honor in 1855 for Stearns County. A Board of five elected County Commissioners, represents the citizens of the county as its governing body. This central governing authority is responsible for the plans and functions of all Stevens County Departments. The 2000 population of Stevens County was 10,053.

Other entities located within the Courthouse are the courtrooms, judges chambers and administrative staff of the Stevens County District Court. While housed here, it is a unit funded completely by the State of Minnesota and is part of the 8th Judicial District Court.

Significant Dates

YearEvent
1993


Summer floods and an earthquake


1975


Morris experienced an earthquake


1969


The last Rural School District No. 2167 closed


1960


University of Minnesota Morris opened


1956


KMRS Radio station on air


1941


Morris Airport opened


1929


The first combine to be used in Stevens County


1918


Severe Influenza epidemic at Stevens County


1910


West Central School of Agriculture opened


1878


City of Morris Incorporated


1876


Release of the first newspaper "Frontier Business"


1872


Stevens County organized


1871


Stevens Railroad opened