Whether you’re new to Pine City or have lived here all your life, there are probably things you never knew about in the city’s rich history. Here are some interesting facts you might not know about Pine City.
Chengwatana
Long before Pine City was settled by Europeans, the region was mostly populated with Dakota Indians and, later, the Ojibwe. The Ojibwe maintained several posts in the area for trading, the largest of which was a village they called Chengwatana, which translates into “Pine City.” In 1854, the government added a station for changing horses here, giving added importance to the town. Two years later, Chengwatana became the county seat.
Two Pine Cities
It makes sense that the village would begin with an Indian name. It also makes sense that as it grew into the largest village, it would become the county seat. But what you may not know is that when the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad passed by on the west side of Cross Lake, a new town formed. This town was named with the English translation of Chengwatana, Pine City.
So, what happened to Chengwatana? The same thing that happened to a lot of Indian settlements at the time. The Ojibwe were moved to the White Earth Reservation, and the old Chengwatana faded into the pines it sprouted from.
Tourism
Soon after the logging boom of the mid-1800s, the region was claimed for recreation. With the waters now unclogged of floating timber and debris, the locals quickly turned the Snake River, Cross Lake, and Pokegama into tourism destinations. Many from St. Cloud and the Twin Cities would come down to vacation at places like the Tuxedo Inn or the Wilke’s Island Resort at Pokegama. Some tourists would come to dance and dine, while others came to do what became known as “rusticating,” or spend time in the countryside.
Mother of Pearl Buttons
In the early 1800s, almost everyone used muscle shells in some fashion, but most were used to make Mother of Pearl buttons. Lake Pepin and the Snake River region were commercially harvested, and fortunes were made on this lucrative natural resource. Unfortunately, like most natural resources, over-harvesting and pollution depleted the population. Plastic buttons eventually replaced the delicate beauty of Mother of Pearl.
Population Boom
Years pass, and populations ebb and flow. Cities experience population booms for many different reasons. Pine City is no exception. Beginning with the Ojibwe Indians creating a seasonal trading post here, and then the military creating a horse changing station, Pine City seemed to be a place of interest and opportunity.
The railroad development and logging industry also contributed to the growth of Pine City, but what usually happens over time is populations sputter and the influx of people wanes. Curiously, Pine City is one of only three townships in Minnesota to never experience a decline in population. Mira and Litchfield are the other two. The growth of neighboring townships and the steady stream of tourism dollars to the region are considered major factors to this positive growth.
Image via m01229 | Licensed by CC BY 2.0
