56-551: Dodge Center is a city in Dodge County, Minnesota , United States. Approximately 15 miles west of Rochester, the population of Dodge Center was 2,670 at the 2010 census . Dodge Center is part of the Rochester, MN Metropolitan Statistical Area . The Dodge Center area was first settled by pioneers in the 1850s. The town was created by the railroad system and named for its central location within Dodge County, Minnesota , which
112-462: A church and was destroyed by fire in 1948. The apartments were demolished in the 1980s. The 1898 building, at the corner of 1st Ave NW and 3rd Street NW, was used until 1972. A gymnasium, auditorium and two classrooms were added in 1936, part of President Franklin Roosevelt 's WPA program. An addition containing a library and home-economics room was added in 1950 and an elementary school building
168-567: A consolidating railroad market. Testifying in 1965, before the Interstate Commerce Commission in Chicago, President Reidy stated that although it was operating in the black it would not able to continue: The simple fact is that there is just too much transportation available between the principal cities we serve. The Great Western cannot long survive as an independent carrier under these conditions. The CGW, therefore,
224-528: A gun shop, Tyler's general store and The Kinney House (a hotel widely known in the region and later burned) had become established businesses. The Chicago and North Western Railroad depot had also been completed. Also by 1870, the one-room schoolhouse, in which a Mrs. Rice taught, had become too small. Realizing the importance of education, the people of Dodge Center built a wooden, L-shaped, two-story schoolhouse, costing about $ 15,000. The first high school commencement exercises were held in 1885.[2] When that school
280-469: A household in the county was $ 47,437, and the median income for a family was $ 54,261. Males had a median income of $ 34,195 versus $ 25,903 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 19,259. About 4.40% of families and 5.80% of the population were below the poverty line , including 5.80% of those under age 18 and 9.60% of those age 65 or over. Dodge County voters have been reliably Republican for decades. In only one national election since 1964 has
336-426: A library and home-economics room was added in 1950 and an elementary school building was constructed in 1958. The entire structure is now owned by a private entity and houses apartments with several small businesses. Dodge Center chose the name "Dodgers" as its nickname and mascot. School colors were maroon and gold until the 1930s, when they were changed to green and white. The first school annual, The Dodger Digest ,
392-550: A loss when she succumbed to a brave struggle against cancer in 2004. This space was named in her honor due to her passion for swimming and lifeguarding in Dodge Center. The community raised money and built the Natalie Webb Aquatic Center to remember and honor Natalie's spirit. It is enjoyed by people throughout the region. U.S. Highway 14 and Minnesota State Highway 56 are two of the main routes in
448-510: A male householder with no wife present, and 34.0% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.19. The median age in the city was 31.8 years. 29.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.7% were from 25 to 44; 20.3% were from 45 to 64; and 12.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of
504-586: A modern facility near the Dodge Center Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 1952, the Dodge Center football team became one of six Minnesota high school teams to not allow a single point in a season. The Triton Cobras, coached by Don Henderson, won the Minnesota State Football championship in 1994 (B Division), 2000 (AA Division) and in 2006 (AA Division). In 2006, Triton's football team won every game in
560-571: A regional line between St. Paul and the Iowa state line called the Minnesota and Northwestern Railroad . Through mergers and new construction, the railroad, named Chicago Great Western after 1892, quickly became a multi-state carrier. One of the last Class I railroads to be built, it competed against several other more well-established railroads in the same territory, and developed a corporate culture of innovation and efficiency to survive. Nicknamed
616-418: A total area of 440 square miles (1,100 km ), of which 439 square miles (1,140 km ) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km ) (0.07%) is water. Dodge County is in southeastern Minnesota and is 24 miles (39 km) long and 18 miles (29 km) wide. The central and northern parts are hilly and thickly wooded with pebbly, loose soil that allows for wheat agriculture. The southern part, in contrast,
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#1732772523272672-588: A traveling female teacher. Dodge Center's first permanent doctor was Steven W. Ranson, who began practicing there in June 1870. He also opened a drug store in 1872. In 1875 Dr. James A. Garver, of Ohio, moved from Wasioja to Dodge Center, where he continued to live and practice the rest of his life. The Joseph Garrison post of the Grand Army of the Republic was established with 22 charter members in 1885. Garrison
728-439: Is a division of Oshkosh Corporation . Dodge Center High School held its first commencement exercises in 1885. A new brick building opened in 1898 and was used until 1972. One stairwell and a classroom still exist from the original building. A gymnasium, auditorium and two classrooms (also still standing) were added in 1936, part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt 's Works Progress Administration program. An addition containing
784-436: Is a regular social gathering place for those throughout the region. A neighborhood began developing around Dodge Country Club in the 1970s and continues to develop today as both the course and Triton schools prosper. The Natalie Webb Aquatic Center was opened in 2008 and is named for Natalie (Thornton) Webb, who was a 1999 Triton Alumna, Miss Dodge Center and former Dodge Center YMCA Pool lifeguard and manager. The community felt
840-500: Is flat and wet, more suited to grazing livestock. The soil is very fertile, with heavy black loam. Dodge is one of seven southern Minnesota counties that have no forest ecosystems; only prairie and savanna soils exist here. Dodge County's plentiful sand and rock also make the area a center for building. Quarries in Mantorville were once enterprises and consist of layers of thick stone that can be cut into any desired shape. Wasioja
896-538: Is known nationwide for its excellent " Wasioja stone." As of the census of 2000, there were 17,731 people, 6,420 households, and 4,853 families in the county. The population density was 40.4 per square mile (15.6/km ). There were 6,642 housing units at an average density of 15.1 per square mile (5.8/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 96.58% White , 0.20% Black or African American , 0.17% Native American , 0.41% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 1.89% from other races , and 0.73% from two or more races. 2.99% of
952-581: Is titled Triton Tradition and the first volume was published in 1991. Triton High School was remodeled with an addition completed in 1998 that included an additional gymnasium and a new elementary school. A middle school was added in 2009. More additions to the school followed in 2012 as the Triton communities continued to grow. Dodge Center is also home to the Maranatha Adventist Christian school, which serves students grades 1–8 in
1008-677: The Corn Belt Route because of its operating area in the midwestern United States , the railroad was sometimes called the Lucky Strike Road , due to the similarity in design between the herald of the CGW and the logo used for Lucky Strike cigarettes . In 1968 it merged with the Chicago and North Western Railway (CNW), which abandoned most of the CGW's trackage. In 1835, the Chicago, St. Charles & Mississippi Airline railroad
1064-817: The Dodge Center Press , began publication in 1874. The Dodge Center Star was established in 1890 by Edgar Stivers. The two papers merged in 1936 to become the Dodge Center Star-Record . Along with the Kinney House, the Windsor Hotel developed a fine reputation throughout the region. A third hotel, the Hartley House, was built just south of the Chicago Great Western station. It burned one night, killing
1120-653: The Erie Canal (1825) and the end of the Black Hawk War (1831). They brought a passion for education, establishing many schools, as well as staunch support for abolitionism. They were members of the Congregational or Episcopal church. Culturally Dodge County was similar to colonial New England during the nineteenth century. In 1853 government surveyors set lines for the townships. In 1854, two Mantor brothers and Eli P. Waterman established their claims in
1176-570: The Rochester , MN Metropolitan Statistical Area . The area of present Dodge County was a hunting and battle ground for the Mdewakanton Sioux , often fighting Sauk and Fox Indians who wandered into their territory. Possibly the first non-indigenous person to enter the territory was a French fur trader from Canada in 1655. After the fur trappers and early explorers, the area was populated by settlers from New England . The 1820s and 1830s saw significant emigration, eased by completion of
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#17327725232721232-486: The United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 2.08 square miles (5.39 km), all land. As of the census of 2010, there were 2,670 people, 998 households, and 659 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,283.7 inhabitants per square mile (495.6/km). There were 1,061 housing units at an average density of 510.1 per square mile (197.0/km). The racial makeup of
1288-536: The panic of 1907 caused Stickney to lose control of the railroad, and ownership passed to financier J. P. Morgan . In 1910, the CGW introduced four McKeen Motor Car Company self-propelled railcars, its first rolling stock powered by internal combustion engines. In the same year, the railroad also purchased ten large 2-6-6-2s from the Baldwin Locomotive Works . Two years later, the railroad acquired an experimental battery powered motorcar from
1344-548: The AA Division. The 2006 Cobras hold a Minnesota State High School League Prep Bowl record for both the highest scoring team in a championship game (70 points), as well as total scoring game for both teams (91 points). Two members of the 1994 state championship team also hold individual Minnesota State High School League Prep Bowl records: Kirk Midthun ('96) for most touchdown passes (6) and Judge Gisslen ('95) for most touchdown receptions (4 -- record since tied). Kirk Midthun
1400-492: The CGW began trial operations of trailer on flatcar trains, which were expanded the following year into regular service, initially between Chicago and St. Paul, but rapidly expanding across the system by 1940. In 1941, it was reorganized in bankruptcy, and late in the decade a group of investors, organized as the Kansas City Group, purchased the CGW. In 1946, a demonstrator EMD F3 diesel locomotive set operated on
1456-399: The CGW right-of-way has since been abandoned. There were at least three train stations built in the town over the years. Two of these still exist, though they have been repurposed. Dodge County, Minnesota Dodge County is a county in the U.S. state of Minnesota . The population was 20,867 as of the 2020 census . Its county seat is Mantorville . Dodge County is part of
1512-408: The CGW, immediately prompting the company to purchase a wide variety of diesels, and by 1950 the railroad had converted completely to diesel motive power. In 1949, William N. Deramus III assumed the presidency, and began a program of rebuilding infrastructure and increasing efficiency, both by consolidating operations such as dispatching and accounting and by lengthening trains. In 1957, Deramus left
1568-707: The CGW, the CNW abandoned most of the former CGW trackage. A 20 mile section of the railroad right of way from Des Moines, IA south to Martensdale, IA was used to create a mixed use trail with the name of Great Western Trail. In addition, a section of track was converted to trail usage, also known as the Great Western Trail , running intermittently between Villa Park, Illinois and West Chicago, Illinois in DuPage County, and then through Kane and DeKalb counties to Sycamore, Illinois. The Chicago Great Western
1624-654: The Federal Storage Battery Car Company. In 1916, the railroad began standardizing on 2-8-2 steam locomotives, which served through the 1920. In 1923 CGW purchased from the soon to be dominant company EMC, two of EMD's first gasoline-powered cars. During the 1920s, as ownership changed again to the Bremo Corporation, a group of investors led by Patrick Joyce, an executive at the Standard Steel Car Company ,
1680-487: The South Park Shops. In 1892 the city of Oelwein, Iowa was chosen as the headquarters and primary shop site due to its central location on the mainline. Construction was completed in 1899, and soon Oelwein became known as "Shop City" for its mammoth shop site. The two-story combination machine, boiler, and coach shop alone measured 700 feet (213 meters) long and had 27 pits for overhauling locomotives. In 1907,
1736-702: The area of present Mantorville. In early 1855, Dodge County was organized for local government. It was named for Henry Dodge , the first governor of Wisconsin (1836–1841). The Minnesota State Constitution placed Dodge County in the Fifth Judicial District on May 11, 1858. The county courthouse was constructed in 1865; it is presently the oldest still-used courthouse in Minnesota. As the 20th century began, emigrants from Germany , Sweden and Norway flowed to Minnesota in increasing numbers. Their influence added Catholic and Lutheran influence to
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1792-405: The average family size was 3.03. In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.2% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males. The median income for a household in the city
1848-542: The city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 2,226 people, 824 households, and 588 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,173.8 inhabitants per square mile (453.2/km). There were 859 housing units at an average density of 452.9 per square mile (174.9/km). The racial makeup of the city was 93.13% White , 0.31% African American , 0.27% Native American , 0.22% Asian , 4.76% from other races , and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.29% of
1904-418: The city was 93.0% White , 0.4% African American , 0.4% Native American , 0.7% Asian , 3.9% from other races , and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.7% of the population. There were 998 households, of which 40.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had
1960-528: The city. Dodge Center Airport (TOB) is located in the city. The city is located along the mainline of the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad , a subsidiary of Canadian Pacific . This east–west line had been owned by the Chicago and North Western Railway until the 1980s when DM&E was formed. Dodge Center also used to be on the Chicago Great Western mainline which ran south from St. Paul down through Iowa and across to Chicago, Illinois . However,
2016-636: The company, and Edward Reidy assumed the presidency. As early as 1946, the first proposal was advanced to merge the Great Western with other railroads, this time with the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad and the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad . Upon the failure of a later merger opportunity with the Soo Line Railroad in 1963, the board of the Great Western grew increasingly anxious about its continued viability in
2072-482: The county selected the Democratic Party candidate (as of 2020). 44°02′N 92°52′W / 44.03°N 92.86°W / 44.03; -92.86 Minnesota and Northwestern Railroad The Chicago Great Western Railway ( reporting mark CGW ) was a Class I railroad that linked Chicago , Minneapolis , Omaha , and Kansas City . It was founded by Alpheus Beede Stickney in 1885 as
2128-568: The cultural mix. The South Branch of the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River flows east-northeast through the upper central part of Dodge County. Salem Creek and Harkcom Creek drain the county to the east. The county terrain consists of rolling hills, devoted to agriculture where possible. The terrain slopes to the northeast; its highest point is on the eastern part of its southern border, at 1,352 ft (412 m) ASL. The county has
2184-619: The end of the decade, under the leadership of St. Paul businessman A.B. Stickney , it had established routes west to Omaha, Nebraska, south to St. Joseph, Missouri, and east to Chicago, Illinois, via the Winston Tunnel near Dubuque. In 1892, the railroad was reorganized as the Chicago Great Western. The first repair shops for locomotives and freight cars were built at the original terminus in St. Paul, Minnesota , known as
2240-636: The legislature passed a bill changing the town's name to Silas. The bill was reconsidered the next day and no further action was taken. The town remained Dodge Center and was incorporated in February 1872 by special act of the legislature. Early Dodge Center was a farming community known for growing grain. Grain wagons lined up and down Main Street and into the surrounding countryside waiting their turn at either of two grain elevators. By 1870, Dodge Center's population had grown to 400–500. The two grain elevators,
2296-426: The modern Dodge Center Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Sunday Baptists built a church in 1874 in the southern part of the village. A tornado demolished the building in 1880. The Methodist Church was constructed in 1878 and was used by the congregation until 1958 when it moved into the current building. The Congregational Church community began to move to Dodge Center from Wasioja, Minnesota in 1875. According to
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2352-556: The name being changed to Chicago Great Western in 1892. The track ran from Minneapolis, MN to Oelwein, IA . The last section of track to be completed was the long trestle across the Zumbro River , north of Dodge Center. Religion had an early start in Dodge Center. The Seventh Day Baptists organized in 1859 and the settlers erected a building in 1865. They moved it into the village of Dodge Center and dedicated it in 1873. Today, Dodge Center continues this seventh day tradition with
2408-485: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 34.2% were of German , 26.9% Norwegian , 5.8% Irish , 5.8% American and 5.1% English ancestry. There were 6,420 households, out of which 40.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.70% were married couples living together, 7.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.40% were non-families. 20.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.70% had someone living alone who
2464-408: The population. There were 824 households, out of which 42.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.0% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.6% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and
2520-564: The railroad expanded its use of self-propelled vehicles. At the end of the decade, 36 2-10-4 steam locomotives were purchased from Baldwin and the Lima Locomotive Works . During the Great Depression , the railroad trimmed operations by closing facilities and abandoning trackage. It purchased its first diesel-electric locomotive, an 800 horsepower (600 kW) yard switcher from Westinghouse , in 1934. In 1935,
2576-486: Was $ 39,453, and the median income for a family was $ 44,632. Males had a median income of $ 31,525 versus $ 24,485 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 16,858. About 8.0% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line , including 11.0% of those under age 18 and 10.2% of those age 65 or over. The largest employer in Dodge Center is McNeilus , a manufacturer of ready-mixed concrete mixer trucks, garbage trucks, and related apparatus. McNeilus
2632-439: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.15. The county population contained 30.20% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 29.90% from 25 to 44, 20.20% from 45 to 64, and 12.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.90 males. The median income for
2688-457: Was also outgrown, a new brick building was constructed in 1898. The 1870 school was cut in half and converted. One half became an opera house (where the Assembly of God church now stands) and the other half became apartments directly across the street. The opera house was one of the grandest in southeastern Minnesota, with a large stage, balcony and opera seats. The opera house eventually became
2744-471: Was chartered with the intent of building a railroad west out of Chicago. The railroad never began construction, and its rights to build were transferred in 1854 to a new company, the Minnesota & North Western (M&NW), which eventually began construction in 1884 of a line south from St. Paul, Minnesota to Dubuque, Iowa. In 1887, the Chicago, St. Paul & Kansas City Railroad acquired the M&;NW, and by
2800-432: Was constructed in 1958. Of the 1890s portion of the building (demolished in 1972), one stairwell and a classroom still exist. The small 1898 portion and the 1936, 1950 and 1958 additions remain standing and are owned by a private entity (as of August 2007); they house apartments with several small businesses. A new high school was erected on the western edge of town in 1972 and is still in use. Dodge Center's first newspaper,
2856-450: Was named for Henry Dodge , twice the governor of Wisconsin. The first train to reach Dodge Center arrived on July 13, 1866. Shortly after, D.L. Tyler moved to Dodge Center from Ashland (which had no railroad) and built its first general store in 1867. Tyler also became the town's first postmaster. Dodge Center's site was officially platted in 1867 and recorded in July 1869. In January 1870,
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#17327725232722912-582: Was not known for its passenger trains, although it did operate several named trains, mostly running between Chicago and the Twin Cities. Despite the railroad's small size and meager passenger fleet, it looked for ways to more efficiently move passengers, such as employing all-electric (battery powered) and gas-electric motorcars on light branch lines, which were cheaper to operate than traditional steam or diesel-powered trains. Notable passenger trains from its major terminals included: On September 30, 1965,
2968-515: Was open to a merger with the Chicago and North Western Railway (CNW), first proposed in 1964. After a 4-year period of opposition by other competing railroads, on July 1, 1968, the Chicago Great Western merged with Chicago and North Western. At the time of the merger, the CGW operated a 1,411 miles (2,271 km) system, over which it transported 2,452 million ton-miles of freight in 1967, largely food and agricultural products, lumber, and chemicals, for $ 28.7 million of revenue. After taking control of
3024-559: Was published in 1948. It later became known as the Centerite . In 1990, Dodge Center's school district merged with the towns of Claremont, MN and West Concord, MN to form Triton Public Schools . Dodge Center is now home to Triton Primary, Triton Middle School and Triton Senior High School . The first commencement exercises were held in 1991. Triton's school mascot is the Cobra. The school colors are maroon and gray. The annual yearbook
3080-720: Was the second man from Dodge County to lose his life in the American Civil War . He died in Libby Prison of wounds suffered in the Battle of Bull Run . A large three-story roller mill was built in 1887. It had a national reputation for the fine quality of its flour and won first prize at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. The mill and its brand were later sold. It was later destroyed by fire. The Minnesota and Northwestern Railroad came to Dodge Center in 1885,
3136-709: Was voted the Associated Press Minnesota Player of the Year in 1994 and 1995 (a co-winner with Tim Rosga of Cretin Derham Hall). The Triton athletic fields are named for former Dodge Center High School football coach, Wally Hitt. Dodge Center is home to Dodge Country Club. Founded in the late 1960s, it is located on the West side of the city. Dodge Country Club is an 18-hole, executive length public golf course. The course, as well as its club house,
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