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Introduction
Methodology
A Brief History of Northfield
Discussion of Sububia
Neighborhood Structure
Northfield Sense of Community
Conclusions
Works Cited
Acknowledgements
The
New York born lawyer, John North, founded the town of Northfield,
Minnesota in
1855. He was initially attracted to the area by the waterpower of
the Cannon
River, which would support several productive mills in the
future. By 1856 a
community of
40 families existed in Northfield, in what was described as a village
reminiscent of New England (Rogness 34). Time marched on and the
productivity of the mills declined, and the town's major economic
success
was replaced by agriculture. Eventually St.
Olaf and
Carleton colleges were established in the riverside town and other
industries,
from food processing to technological institutions, moved into the area
(Northfield Historical Society
par.1-3).
John North, Founder of Northfield
(photo courtesy of Northfield Historical Society)