County Government

As the result of a treaty in 1847, the Winnebago Indians located on lands west of the Mississippi River. A road was cut from the Mississippi River to the Winnebago agency which is, at present, Long Prairie. In addition to providing a route for bringing in the Winnebago, this roadway opened the opportunity for immigration and by the 1860's homesteaders began to settle in the area. In 1893, residents incorporated the Village of Swanville, a community of 180 citizens.

Swanville quickly took advantage of its location in the midst of hardwood forests which were interspersed with agricultural land. A railroad which ran from Little Falls to the Dakotas made transport of goods convenient. Hardwood lumber and agricultural products were shipped by rail.

A Swanville newspaper began publication in 1900. Social events have always been an important part of community life, from social dances and the building of a bandstand to the present day Swanville Carnival. The progressive attitude of Swanville is perhaps best demonstrated by the election of a female mayor, Isabelle Flood, in 1922. One of only two female mayors in the history of Morrison County, she held the office for three terms. Today Swanville continues as a progressive community known best for its production of turkeys.

Present day Swanville has a progressive City Council intent on bringing new industry to town. They have developed an industrial park on the north side of town which has two businesses located there already. The City Council has provided assistance to downtown businesses, enabling them to improve their buildings and because of this attitude the downtown area has been reborn.

Swanville Industrial Park