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Foley, Minnesota
Population: 2,154
Located in Benton County
Located in Central Minnesota, Benton County is part of the St. Cloud Metropolitan Statistical Area. Benton County is one hour north of the Twin Cities and one hour south of premier lake and resort areas. Most of the County's larger communities (St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, and Rice) are located on its western edge. The largest city is Sauk Rapids, which has over 10,000 residents. The part of St. Cloud that is located in Benton County includes about 6,400 residents. Sartell's Benton County section includes over 2,000 people. Rice, with a population of over 700, is located on the northwestern edge of the County.
The county seat is at Foley. Originally, the seat was at Sauk Rapids, then moved to Watab in 1856, and back to Sauk Rapids in 1859. A move was started to transfer the county seat to Foley, causing much rivalry between the towns of Foley and Sauk Rapids. An election was held in 1901. The results favored moving the seat to Foley by a vote of 1284 to 788. The present courthouse was built in 1902 and 1903. Additions were built in 1974 and 1981 and the interior has been remodeled.
Historical attractions in the county include Peace Rock, which is a large granite outcropping along the Mississippi River in Watab Township. It was named Peace Rock in 1832 by Henry Schoolcraft when he charted the Mississippi. It was so named because it marked the 1825 boundary between the Chippewa territory to the north and the Sioux lands to the south.
The church of Saints Peter and Paul in Gilman is a highly visible architectural landmark of Polish influence in the community. It has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Benton County Museum, located at 218 First Street North in Sauk Rapids, depicts the story of the development of Benton County through the use of artifacts, pictures, and printed materials. It is open during the summer months.
http://www.co.benton.mn.us/about_us/history.htm
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