benton county history

You'd never know it now, but there used to be a bustling town along what is now Golden Spike Road in the middle of today's Mayhew Lake Township.

The Sauk Rapids Fire Department was officially formed back in 1909, after a couple of big disasters struck the town.

The very first school bus in the history of the Sauk Rapids school district dates back to 1890 and it still exists today.

Benton County has a colorful history -- full of pioneerism, early commerce, tragedy and humor. Join WJON's Jim Maurice as he explores the county's past with Benton County Historical Society Executive Director Mary Ostby through a series of online interviews and articles.

Today there's nothing left of it but longtime Benton County residents might remember the old Ronneby Kiln.

For nearly 100 years now a group of nuns have led a very quiet simple life on a hill in the middle of Sauk Rapids.

Little Rock Lake has a long history in Benton County.

We have a follow-up story for you on the community formerly called Briggsville. It was an area along the west side of the Mississippi River once owned by Sauk Rapids.

Why is it that Sauk Rapids is only on one side of the Mississippi River when its neighbors Sartell and St. Cloud have land on both sides?

Way back in the early days of Benton County, before there was a county fair, there were Market Days pretty much in every community and they were wildly popular.