The Dream of An Industrialized Sherburne County
Sherburne County’s early settlers dreamed of creating a county based on industrial strength. The economic crisis and 1857 Depression killed the dream. Instead, Sherburne County became a farming center. Several industrial towns and plat sites planned for Sherburne County hints at a potentially different character of the county. If only dreams had come true. Elk River originated as an industrial settlement by first building a saw mill and grist mill. The Elk and Mississippi Rivers’ steady water supply guaranteed success to the mills. The Great Northern Railroad railhead stopped in Elk River until 1866. The community was destined to grow into an industrial giant. At least four communities in Sherburne County failed to develop like Elk River. Developers platted and planned sites around the county. All failed to develop. The failures included: Liberty, a site planned for industrial growth in Big Lake Township; Marseil...