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Historical picture of Main Street in Wood Lake circa 1800.

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History: The Battle of Wood Lake

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Wood Lake Township, settled in 1868, organized November 1, 1873, was named for its largest lake, fringed with timber, whence the battle fought under General Sibley against the Dakota, about four miles east of this lake, September 23, 1862, has been called the Battle of Wood Lake.

 

That battleground is marked by a monument, on the northwest quarter of section 9, Sioux Agency. The battle was followed by the flight of the Dakota to Dakota Territory and the release of the white captives, September 26, at Camp Release in Lac qui Parle County, opposite Montevideo, likewise marked by a monument. The city of Wood Lake, in section 27, platted on September 8, 1884, was incorporated November 28, 1891. Francis Robson, postmaster in his farm home; the post office moved into the village in 1885.

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Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

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Wood Lake Today

 

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Today, the town of Wood Lake is home to about 381 people and many businesses. We take a lot of pride in our small town and its affordable housing and nearby quality education options. We've got clean air, low crime and a community of some of the most down-to-earth, hard-working people you'll ever meet. We're excited by the growth of the next generation of business taking hold here and we invite you to come and check us out. Stop at Woody's for a cold one, wander into Cenex to get the latest farm news, visit one of our churches Sunday morning for a good 'ol dose of the Spirit, or stop by our namesake Wood Lake and commune with nature if that's more your style.

 

We think you just might stay a while.

Credit: Ashley VanHecke

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