Steele County in North Dakota is steeped in rich history. With a population of just over 1,900 people, Steele County is small but notable for many reasons. Here are seven interesting facts about Steele County's history.
1. Steele County was named after Edward H. Steele, a prominent businessman in the area. Steele owned several businesses, including a bank and a mercantile store, and was instrumental in the development of the county.
2. Steele County was officially formed in 1883. Prior to that, the area was part of Griggs County and Cass County.
3. The county seat of Steele County is Finley. Finley was established in 1882 and named after W. H. Finley, the first president of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
4. Steele County was once home to the largest dairy farm in the world. The Reynolds brothers owned the farm, which had over 20,000 cows and spanned over 27,000 acres. The farm operated from 1908 to 1930.
5. The Steele County Courthouse was built in 1915 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture and features a statue of Lady Justice on top of the dome.
6. During World War II, Steele County was home to a German prisoner of war camp. The camp held over 400 prisoners, who were put to work on local farms.
7. Steele County is home to the world's largest sandhill crane statue. The statue stands over 40 feet tall and is located in the town of Steele. The sandhill crane is a symbolic bird of North Dakota, and the statue serves as a tribute to the state's wildlife.
These are just a few of the many interesting facts about Steele County's history. From its early days as a frontier settlement to its present-day status as a small, thriving community, Steele County has a rich and fascinating history that is worth exploring.
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