Mankato, MN

 

Mankato (/mænˈkeɪtoʊ/ man-KAY-toh) is a city in Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Le Sueur counties in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is the county seat of Blue Earth County. It is the 21st-largest city in Minnesota and fourth-largest outside of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, with a population of 44,488 at the 2020 census, while the Mankato–North Mankato metropolitan area has an estimated 105,000 residents.

Mankato lies along a large bend of the Minnesota River at its confluence with the Blue Earth River. The city is home to Minnesota State University, the state's second-largest university by enrollment.

History

Mankato Township was not settled by European Americans until Parsons King Johnson in February 1852, as part of the 19th-century migration of people from the East across the Midwest. New residents organized the city of Mankato on May 11, 1858, the day Minnesota became a state. The city was organized by Johnson, Henry Jackson, Daniel A. Robertson, Justus C. Ramsey, and others. A popular story says that the city was supposed to have been named Mahkato, but a typographical error by a clerk established the name as Mankato. According to Warren Upham, quoting historian Thomas Hughes of Mankato, "The honor of christening the new city was accorded to Col. Robertson. He had taken the name from Nicollet's book, in which the French explorer compared the 'Mahkato' or Blue Earth River, with all its tributaries, to the water nymphs and their uncle in the German legend of Undine...No more appropriate name could be given the new city, than that of the noble river at whose mouth it is located." While it is uncertain that the city was intended to be called Mahkato, the Dakota called the river Makato Osa Watapa ("the river where blue earth is gathered"). The Anglo settlers adapted that as "Blue Earth River". Frederick Webb Hodge, in the Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico, said the town was named after the older of the two like-named chiefs of the Mdewakanton nation of the Santee Dakota, whose village stood on or near the site of the present town.

Ishtakhaba, also known as Chief Sleepy Eye, of the Sisseton band, was said to have directed settlers to this location. He said the site at the confluence of the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers was well-suited to building and river traffic, and yet safe from flooding.

On December 26, 1862, United States Volunteers of the State of Minnesota carried out the largest mass execution in U.S. history at Mankato after the Dakota War of 1862. Companies of the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Minnesota Infantry Regiments, and Minnesota Cavalry oversaw the hanging of 38 men: 35 Santee Sioux and 3 biracial French/native American, for their involvement in the war crimes committed during the uprising. A USV military tribunal reviewed nearly 500 cases, of which 303 received a death sentence, but President Abraham Lincoln requested the court files. He reviewed them, placing the rape cases at the top, and pardoning 265. Episcopal Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple urged leniency, to which Lincoln responded that he had to take a balanced approach. His position and dismissals were unpopular in Minnesota. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the event, a large granite marker was erected that stood at the site until 1971, when the city took it down. Today, a different monument marks the execution site. Across the street are two monuments to the Native Americans in what is called Reconciliation Park. The Blue Earth County Library, Main Street, and Reconciliation Park cover the immediate vicinity of the execution site.

In 1880, Mankato was Minnesota's fourth-most populous city, with 5,500 residents.

Former Vice President Schuyler Colfax died while traveling through Mankato on January 13, 1885.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.229 square miles (52.39 km2), of which 19.879 square miles (51.49 km2) is land and 0.350 square miles (0.91 km2) is water. The Minnesota, Blue Earth, and Le Sueur rivers all flow through or near the city.

Mankato, Minnesota

Climate

Mankato has a humid continental climate, type Dfa (hot summer subtype). Winters are cold, with snow cover (continuous most winter seasons) beginning typically between mid-November and mid-December, ending in March most years. However, Mankato often receives less snow than areas to its north and east. For example, Minneapolis, 75 miles (121 km) northeast of Mankato, averages over 54 inches (140 cm) of snow per winter season, compared to Mankato's seasonal average of 35 inches (89 cm). The coldest month, January, has an average monthly temperature of around 14 °F (−10 °C). Dangerously low wind-chill temperatures are a significant hazard during the winter months, as Arctic air outbreaks rush into the area from Canada, borne on high winds; this can bring about ground blizzard conditions, especially in nearby rural areas.

Summers are warm, with occasional but usually brief hot, humid periods, often interspersed with pushes of cooler air from Canada, often preceded by showers and thunderstorms. The hottest month, July, has an average monthly temperature of around 73 °F (22.8 °C). Precipitation falls year-round, but falls mostly as snow from December to February, sometimes March, and as showers and thunderstorms during the warmer season, from May to September. Mankato's average wettest months are from June to August, with frequent thunderstorm activity. Mankato lies on the northern fringe of the central United States’ main tornado belt, with a lower risk than in Iowa and Missouri to the south. The highest-risk months for severe thunderstorms and (rarely) tornadoes are May through July. However, a very unusual early tornado outbreak affected areas within 20 miles (32 km) of Mankato on March 29, 1998, when an F3 tornado hit St. Peter, 13 miles (21 km) to the north. On August 17, 1946, tornadoes struck the southwestern areas of Mankato and the town of Wells to the southeast, killing 11 people.

Demographics

Historical population

1870    3,482                  —

1880    5,550                  59.4%

1890    8,838                  59.2%

1900    10,599               19.9%

1910    10,365               −2.2%

1920    12,469               20.3%

1930    14,039               12.6%

1940    15,654               11.5%

1950    18,809               20.2%

1960    23,797               26.5%

1970    30,895               29.8%

1980    28,651               −7.3%

1990    31,477               9.9%

2000    32,427               3.0%

2010    39,309               21.2%

2020    44,488               13.2%

2023 (est.)       45,742                2.8%

U.S. Decennial Census

2020 Census

As of the 2022 American Community Survey, there are 17,605 estimated households in Mankato with an average of 2.31 persons per household. The city has a median household income of $61,726. Approximately 22.5% of the city's population lives at or below the poverty line. Mankato has an estimated 71.1% employment rate, with 37.6% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 93.6% holding a high school diploma.

The top five reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (89.5), Spanish (2.7%), Other Indo-European (1.6%), Asian and Pacific Islander (2.2%), and Other (3.9%).

The median age in the city was 26.5 years.

2020 census

Mankato, Minnesota – racial and ethnic composition

As of the 2020 census, there were 44,488 people, 17,576 households, and 8,344 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,305.2 inhabitants per square mile (890.0/km2). There were 18,855 housing units at an average density of 977.0 inhabitants per square mile (377.2/km2). The racial makeup was 79.02% White, 8.42% African American, 0.53% Native American, 3.83% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 2.35% from some other races, and 5.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 5.82% of the population, 16.9% of residents were under the age of 18, 5.0% were under 5 years of age, and 12.5% were 65 and older.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 39,309 people, 14,851 households, and 7,093 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,195.3 inhabitants per square mile (847.6/km2). There were 15,784 housing units at an average density of 881.3 per square mile (340.3/km2). The racial makeup was 89.94% White, 4.03% African American, 0.34% Native American, 2.78% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.81% from some other races, and 2.07% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.93% of the population.

There were 14,851 households, of which 22.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.0% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 52.2% were non-families. 30.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35, and the average family size was 2.91.

 

The median age in the city was 25.4 years. 16.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 32.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.8% were from 25 to 44; 16.6% were from 45 to 64; and 10.6% were 65 years of age or older. The city's gender makeup was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 32,427 people, 12,367 households, and 6,059 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,132.5 inhabitants per square mile (823.4/km2). There were 12,759 housing units at an average density of 839.1 inhabitants per square mile (324.0/km2). The racial makeup was 92.55% White, 1.90% African American, 0.34% Native American, 2.81% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.94% from some other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.22% of the population.

There were 12,367 households, of which 23.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.7% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.0% were non-families. 32.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31, and the average family size was 2.90.

16.9% of the city's residents were under the age of 18; 32.5% were between ages 18 and 24; 23.9% were from 25 to 44; 15.4% were from 45 to 64; and 11.3% were age 65 or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,956, and the median income for a family was $47,297. Males had a median income of $30,889 versus $22,081 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,652. About 8.5% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.6% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Top employers

According to the City's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the largest employers in the city are:

1            Mankato Area Public Schools ISD #77          2,123   8.06%

2            Immanuel St. Joseph's - Mayo Health System         1,300   4.94%

3            Minnesota State University, Mankato            1,300   4.94%

4            Walmart Distribution Center              525       1.99%

5            Blue Earth County      491       1.86%

6            Mankato Clinic             425       1.61%

7            Mankato Rehabilitation Center Inc. Industrial Operation  375       1.42%

8            Compeer Financial    362       1.37%

9            Johnson Outdoors-Mankato 360       1.37%

10          The City of Mankato   313       1.19%

—           Total employers           7,574   28.75%

Arts and culture

Major events

Minnesota State University was home to the Minnesota Vikings' summer training camp for 52 years. The Vikings announced their training camp would move to Eagan starting in 2018.

Places of interest

The original Happy Chef Restaurant and corporate offices on U.S. Highway 169

The Betsy & Tacy Houses

Blue Earth County Courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)

Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota

Federal Courthouse and Post Office (NRHP)

First National Bank of Mankato (NRHP)

First Presbyterian Church (NRHP)

Good Counsel Hill

Happy Chef's original restaurant and company headquarters, Mankato, is also home to the last surviving 36-foot (11 m) Happy Chef statue.

The Hubbard House, Blue Earth County Historical Society – French Second Empire style, built in 1871 (NRHP)

ISG Field, home of the Mankato Moondogs of the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer baseball league

The Cray Mansion (NRHP)

River Hills Mall

Sibley Park is a city park along the river in Mankato.

The Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, an arena in downtown Mankato, formerly operated under the names Mankato Civic Center, Midwest Wireless Civic Center, Alltel Center, Verizon Wireless Center, and Verizon Center.

Vetter Stone Amphitheater

Library

The Blue Earth County Library, part of the Traverse des Sioux Library System, serves the city.

Government

Mankato is in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Brad Finstad. It is in Minnesota Senate district 19, represented by Nick Frentz, and Minnesota House district 19B, represented by Luke Frederick. Mankato voted overwhelmingly for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.

Education

The Mankato Area Public Schools are consolidated to include the cities of Mankato, North Mankato, Eagle Lake, and Madison Lake. There are ten elementary schools (Franklin, Eagle Lake, Kennedy, Washington, Roosevelt, Jefferson, Monroe, Hoover, Rosa Parks, and Bridges); two middle schools (Dakota Meadows Middle School and Prairie Winds Middle School); and two high schools (Mankato West High School and Mankato East High School).

Mankato has four parochial schools: Loyola Catholic School, Immanuel Lutheran Grade School and High School (K–12), Mount Olive Lutheran School (K–8), and Risen Savior Lutheran School (K–8). There is also a public charter school, Kato Public Charter School. The alternative school Central High, on Fulton Street, is another educational option.

Higher education institutions

Minnesota State University was opened as the second state normal school in 1868 and is the second largest university in the state of Minnesota by enrollment. With an annual operating budget of over $200 million, Minnesota State provides a net economic benefit of over $452 million annually to Minnesota's south-central region. It is one of the largest employers in the Mankato area.

South Central College

Bethany Lutheran College

Rasmussen University

Media

The major daily newspaper in the area is the Mankato Free Press.

Television

KMNF-LD 7 (NBC/CW)

KEYC-TV 12 (CBS/Fox)

K14KE-D 14 (Independent, repeater of KSTC)

K26CS-D 26 (PBS, repeater of KTCA)

K29IE-D 29 (PBS, repeater of KTCI)

K30FN-D 30 (ABC, repeater of KSTP-TV)

Radio

FM

89.1 FM, KTIS (AM), Christian talk and teaching

89.7 FM, KMSU, college radio

90.5 FM, KNGA, Minnesota Public Radio

91.5 FM, KGAC, classical

93.1 FM, KATO-FM, classic hits

94.1 FM, KXLP, classic rock

94.9 FM, KTIS-FM, contemporary Christian music

95.3 FM, KCMP, adult album alternative

95.7 FM, KMKO-FM, active rock

96.7 FM, KDOG, top 40

99.1 FM, KEEZ-FM, adult contemporary

100.5 FM, KXAC, country

101.5 FM, KEMJ, adult contemporary

101.7 FM, KMKO-FM, active rock

102.7 FM, KTOE, news/talk

103.1 FM, KFSP, sports talk

103.5 FM, KYSM-FM, country

104.5 FM, KJLY, Christian

105.1 FM, KCMP, adult album alternative

105.5 FM, KRBI-FM, adult contemporary

107.1 FM, KJLY, Christian

AM

860, KNUJ (AM), news/talk

1230, KFSP, sports talk

1420, KTOE, news/talk

Infrastructure

Transportation

Public transportation in Mankato is provided by the Mankato Transit System. The city is served by Mankato Regional Airport, which has no commercial flights. Under MnDOT's 2015 State Rail Plan, Mankato is listed as a Tier 1 Corridor for regional rail service from Minneapolis and/or St. Paul. U.S. Highways 14 and 169 and Minnesota State Highways 22 and 60 are four of Mankato's main routes.

Major highways

The following routes are within the city of Mankato.

 U.S. Highway 14

 U.S. Highway 169

 Minnesota State Highway 22

 Minnesota State Highway 60

 Minnesota State Highway 83

In popular culture

The protagonist of Sinclair Lewis's 1920 novel Main Street, Carol Milford, is a former Mankato resident. Lewis describes Mankato as follows: "In its garden-sheltered streets and aisles of elms is white and green New England reborn", alluding to its many migrants from New England, who brought their culture with them. Lewis wrote a substantial portion of the novel while staying at the J.W. Schmidt House at 315 South Broad Street, as now marked by a small plaque in front of the building.

In 1996, Don Descy created city-mankato.us as a teaching tool and example that not everything on the Internet should be believed.

Hotdish

In 2016, Food & Wine credited a 1930 Mankato church congregation cookbook as the first written record of a hotdish recipe. Many churches publish cookbooks with recipes submitted by their congregation as fundraisers. The source included neither the name of the woman who invented the recipe nor the source. Mankato resident Joyce Nelson had a copy of the 1930 Lutheran church recipe book, and it was found that the recipe was indeed included in that year's cookbook. Mrs. C. W. Anderson had submitted a recipe for a "HOT DISH" made with hamburger, onions, Creamette pasta, celery, a can of peas, tomato soup, and tomatoes.

Notable people

Barry Anderson, Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court

Walter Jackson Bate, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer, was born in Mankato in 1918

Daniel Buck, Minnesota jurist and politician

Con Bunde, Alaska state legislator and educator

Frederick Russell Burnham, "father of the international scouting movement," was born near Mankato in 1861

Howard Burnham, mining engineer, born near Mankato in 1870

Joseph Francis Busch, Roman Catholic prelate, Diocese of Rapid City, Diocese of Saint Cloud, Minnesota

Jimmy Chin, professional climber and mountaineer, Academy Award winner for Best Documentary

George Contant, outlaw of the American West, brother of John Sontag

Marvel Cooke, journalist, writer, and civil rights activist

David R. Cummiskey, Minnesota legislator

Craig Dahl, NFL safety, New York Giants

Adolph Olson Eberhart, seventeenth Governor of Minnesota

William S. Ervin, Attorney General of Minnesota

Ronald G. Evans, Minnesota legislator and businessman

Cliff Fagan, basketball referee, Basketball Hall of Fame

Sal Frederick, Minnesota legislator and businessman

Kelly Gage, Minnesota legislator and lawyer

Milton Hanna, Civil War veteran, Medal of Honor recipient

Justin Hartwig, former NFL center

Geoff Herbach, novelist

Robert Louis Hodapp, Roman Catholic bishop

Ron Johnson, Republican U.S. Senator

Jack Kodell, stage magician

Sinclair Lewis, author

Mike Lindell, founder of MyPillow

Maud Hart Lovelace, author of the Betsy-Tacy series of books

Bob Paffrath, professional football player

Mark Piepho, Minnesota politician and businessman

Mike Ploog, comic book and film-production artist

Edmund Mann Pope, United States military officer, businessman, and Minnesota state senator

Jeanne Audrey Powers, leader within The United Methodist Church and advocate for women and LGBTQ+ people in the church

Dudley Riggs, Brave New Workshop, graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Joseph Rosser, Secretary of Minnesota Territory and lawyer

Daniel L. Ryan, Roman Catholic bishop

Ervin Harold Schulz, businessman, newspaper editor, and Minnesota politician

Roy F. Schulz, farmer and Minnesota politician

Julia Sears, pioneering feminist and suffragette

John Sontag, outlaw, born in Mankato; crimes in Minnesota and California

Steven B. Szarke, born in Mankato, Minnesota state legislator and lawyer

Glen Taylor, owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx basketball teams

Adam Thielen, NFL wide receiver, Minnesota Vikings, graduated from Minnesota State University

Arthur S. Thomas, Chief of Chaplains of the US Air Force

John Eaton Tourtellotte, lawyer, Civil War general

Alma Wagen, the first female guide at Mount Rainier National Park

Tim Walz, 41st Governor of Minnesota, former US Representative for Minnesota's 1st congressional district, and running mate for Kamala Harris in the 2024 United States presidential election

Cedric Yarbrough, actor, graduated from Minnesota State University

Steve Zahn, actor and comedian, was raised in Mankato

Melissa Peterman, actress and comedian, graduated from Minnesota State University

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mankato,_Minnesota