Foot Cabin

Solomon and Adaline (Stocking) Foot and their four children became the first settlers in Willmar Township at this site in 1857, and nearby Foot Lake was named after them. They broke ground in the spring and planted vegetables, grain, and corn, then at harvest time used all types of noises to protect their crops from hordes of blackbirds. After learning of approaching Indians on August 20, 1862, they went to the home of Oscar and Gertrude Erickson. During a gun battle with the Dakota, Oscar and Solomon were injured, and their families went for help. Guri Endreson and her son Ole rescued the two wounded men and brought them to Forest City, where the families were reunited.

Minnesota · United States