This place we now call Northfield rests on the traditional homelands of the Wahpekute and other Bands of the Dakota Nation. Originally settled by Norwegian and other European immigrants, the community was surrounded by farming, much of its subsequent economy supported agricultural production. It is unique in that is it home to two 100+ year old private liberal arts colleges. These two factors gave rise to the motto seen on the town signs: “Cows, Colleges, and Contentment.” It is known by many outside as the place where outlaw bandit Jesse James and the James-Younger gang was defeated, thanks to the heroics of Joseph Lee Heywood and other community members.
Today, it is a community of about 20,000–one quarter of whom are college students! Its active engaged citizenry supports 17 City of Northfield boards and commissions plus numerous nonprofits. Its demographics have shifted, too, as a growing Latinx community have settled in the area. Many are from the Maltrata, Mexico area, and you can learn more about this community at the Radio and News website from Carleton. In addition, more commuters from the Twin Cities make their home here, too. An estimated 60% of Northfield residents commute to Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
As you can see from the map below, right here in St. Olaf’s immediate neighborhood there are numerous civic and community organizations that help the community and its members thrive. Many of these organizations are working to address the same social challenges that appear in larger cities and elsewhere in the world–food access, educational equity, immigration and human rights, affordable and safe housing, racial justice, quality healthcare, and more. Explore the map and then reflect on how you want to engage with your new local community during your time at St. Olaf College.
Reflection Questions
- What do you think St. Olaf and its community members, like you, have in terms of responsibilities and obligations to the local community? How do we live into those responsibilities and obligations?
- Do you think Northfield is the land of “Cows, Colleges, and Contentment?” Why or why not?
- After exploring this map, how do you want to engage with your new local community during your time at St. Olaf College? What is one action step you’ll take to begin to engage meaningfully, responsibly, and ethically with the local community?