General Info
Originally home to Ojibway, Winnebago and Dakota Sioux Indians, Olmsted County was opened for settlement in 1853 after a treaty was signed. Townships were organized in 1854 and the county was named in honor of David Olmsted, the first mayor of St. Paul. Lush prairies, fertile soil, and ample natural resources brought settlers to the area and the arrival of the railroad sparked dramatic growth. Rochester was selected as the county seat and the area continued to develop. After a devastating tornado swept through the region in 1883, Dr. William Worrall Mayo along with the Sisters of St. Francis established the first hospital in the area which has since become one of the most well respected medical centers worldwide. By 1950 the population of Olmsted County had doubled to 48,228 residents and diversified industry aided to its growth. Today Olmsted County is home to approximately 143,962 residents.
