About the Book

The city of Montevideo emerged from the prairies of western Minnesota in 1870, and within 20 years became a bustling agricultural, milling, and railroad center of 4,000 inhabitants. With continued economic expansion fueled by immigrant homesteaders, optimistic speculators were envisioning a city of 20,000 by 1917. Such was the boom town era of Montevideo.

This past has been captured in an array of historical publications. Although each provides a wealth of information pertaining to major events, and the architects and establishments of the city, they do so largely divorced from photographic images and first-person accounts that can add vibrancy to the story of Montevideo’s past.

Montevideo 1860 to 1930: Through Their Eyes and in Their Words portrays over 200 of the most beautiful and interesting photographs of the town’s early years. Through these images - coupled with first-hand accounts obtained through historic newspapers, messages scrawled on the back of postcards, and other historical sources - the authors weave a rich tapestry that is an untold history of Montevideo over its first 60 years.

Published in July 2011 by authors Wayne Ostlie, Odell Bjerkness and Paul Ostlie, the book is lavishly illustrated in full color with numerous never-before-seen photographs.
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Price $34.95