General Info
Otter Tail County holds a rich history dating back to 11,000 B.C. While modern dwellings began forming in the mid 1800s, there was life on the prairie over 10,000 years ago. Proof was found near the Otter Tail community of Pelican Rapids where the remains of “Minnesota Woman” were found while road crews were reconstructing a highway. In the late 1800s most of the towns were built along the railroad lines. Lumber was a major industry at the time because of the pine and hardwood forests. In the 1870s there were approximately 2,000 residents living in the area. Many people spoke Norwegian, Swedish, German and also English. Otter Tail County was officially established in 1858 by an act of legislature. It was later organized in 1868 and Fergus Falls became it’s county seat in 1872. Today, Otter Tail County is home to approximately 57,159 residents.
