During the Dakota Conflict of 1862, there were no casualties among the Norway Lake community settlers, although several from the nearby West Lake community were killed. On August 20, survivors from West Lake and other settlers from the Norway Lake area sought refuge on an island in Norway Lake. A crude canoe was used to bring the women, children and meager supplies out to the island. The settlers spent several days there, until a rescue party escorted them to the Paynesville area. Afterwards, this area was closed to settlement until 1864. The Norway Lake island became known as the "Isle of Refuge."
Sponsored by Austin F. Hanscom Legion Post 167 of Wilmar,
the Federal Highway Administration,
and Kandiyohi County, for the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway Project.
Erected in 2002
Comments 0 comments