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History Stories

Our region has a rich history. Some of it’s fascinating and inspiring, some of it not so much. Here you’ll find Greater Mankato Area history stories so you can judge for yourself.

Photo courtesy of the City of Mankato - Mankato, MN - Ivy Lane satellite image prior to 2000. The top of the image is due north and the future Victory Drive bridge will be at the bottom center of this image. Today's remnant of Thompson Ravine Road is on the left.

Mankato Memories — Ivy Lane Development Photo Album

Rick Pepper leads us on a photo tour of the relocation of Mankato's Ivy Lane neighborhood in 2000.
Photo by Don Lipps - Recycled tires at Key City Bike - Mankato, MN

The Rise, Fall, and Renaissance of Key City

Gary Pettis walks us through the history of the long-used Mankato slogan, Key City
Photo by Rick Pepper - November 1, 2003 Aerial photo looking from the south at the Victory Drive area.

Mankato Memories – North Victory Drive Bridge Photo Album

Rick Pepper finishes his series on the North Victory Drive renovation with a series of photos of the Thompson Ravine Bridge
Photo by Gary Pettis - Dakota 38+2 Memorial riders arrive in Mankato on December 26th, 2017

Reconciliation on the River — Dakota 38+2 Riders to Arrive in Mankato

Gary Pettis offers insight into Mankato's history and the fortunate nature of the 2018 Dakota 38+2 Memorial Ride arriving in Mankato on December 26th
Photo by Gary Pettis - Kiwanis Lights 2018 - Mankato, MN

A Tale of Two Sibleys

In light of the recent protests demanding that Sibley Park be renamed, Gary Pettis offers some insight into the convergence of people and events that effect Mankato to this day.
Greg Duffy Memory Wall - Mankato, MN

Wall of Mankato Music Memorabilia Inspires a Song

There was a collection of Mankato music memorabilia so impressive that local music legend, Paul Durenberger, composed and recorded a song about it.
Photo by Rick Pepper - 2012 Mankato Air Show - The Blue Angels flying in the Echelon formation

Looking Back and Looking Forward to Mankato’s 2019 Airshow!

Rick Pepper looks back at a few of the previous Air Shows hosted in Mankato to help us look forward the the 2019 show.
Old Opera House

Florence Macbeth, Minnesota’s Nightingale

Florence Macbeth, born in Mankato in 1889, became a world-renowned opera singer and is buried in Glenwood Cemetery in Mankato.
Photo Courtesy of Julie Schrader - Mankato, MN at the turn of the 20th Century

Theater on Sunday? Mankato at the Turn of the 20th Century

Julie Schrader provides insight into the state of entertainment in Mankato at the turn of the 20th century.
Photo courtesy of Julie Schrader - Harmonia Hall, later called the Mankato Opera House.

The Mankato Opera House – 19th Century Cultural Center

Julie Schrader introduces us to Harmonia Hall, later The Mankato Opera House which became Mankato's 19th Century Cultural Center