Beltrami County marks 160th anniversary with proclamation from local historical society

The Beltrami County Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing February 28 as the 160th anniversary of the county’s organization following a presentation by Emily Faves, executive director of the Beltrami County Historical Society.

Faves told the board that counties can feel permanent but are the result of choices made over time. She traced the county’s history to Dakota and Ojibwe communities that lived and governed the area long before state government and said treaties and the work of the Minnesota Historical Society and the state legislature in the 19th century helped create the framework for counties in northern Minnesota. She said local records and stories require active stewardship to preserve civic memory.

Board members thanked Faves and moved to adopt the proclamation. A commissioner moved the proclamation and, after a second, the board approved it by voice vote (carried, recorded as five in favor).

The proclamation text in the meeting packet cites the county’s establishment by the Minnesota State Legislature on February 28, 1866, recognizes the contributions of residents and tribal communities over 160 years, and encourages residents to celebrate the county’s history and heritage.