Becker - Minnesota - Culture

Becker County was named for Brigadier General George Loomis Becker of St. Paul. In 1857, when Minnesota was a new state, Becker was one of three men elected as members of Congress. Minnesota could only send two, so Becker stayed in Minnesota, and authorities promised him they would name the next county after him. Thus, when the county was formed, it was named Becker after the General.

Becker County is located in west central Minnesota, 30 miles east of the Fargo/Moorhead MSA. Established by an act of the legislature, Becker County was approved on March 18, 1858. The county is situated in the heart of what is known as Park Region and is considered one of the state's most beautiful and versatile recreation areas. The county contains more than 400 lakes and encompasses 11 communities, including the county seat, Detroit Lakes. It encompasses 1440 square miles, divided into 37 townships, and stretches 30 miles north to south and 48 miles east to west. It is the only Minnesota County containing all the Minnesota state symbols, loons, pink and white lady slippers, wild rice, Norway Pines, blueberries and eagles.

The Detroit Lakes/Becker County airport has a 4500 foot lighted runway, a fixed base operator, hangars and maintenance service to accommodate a full range of commuter aircraft. Charter service is also available. Hector International Airport, Fargo, is 45 minutes from the county seat and offers daily flights.

Detroit Lakes was originally home of the Sioux, until the Chippewa (Ojibway) pushed them westward. During the mid-1800s, Detroit Lakes was a favorite resting place for travelers of the Red River Oxcart Trail, a 400-mile path from Winnipeg to St Paul. For many years, the resting place was called "Ga-ia-wa-wan-gag - a Chippewa name meaning, "Lake in which there is a crossing in a sandy place."

Another region of Becker, lake Park was named for a beautiful lake, which used to be located on the original town site. In the early 1870s, this lake was drained, however, to allow for the building of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Although the lake was lost forever, the railroad stimulated Lake Park's growth as settlers took advantage of its easy transportation to the region. Ogema is located on Becker County's northernmost boundary on Minnesota Highway 59. It's approximately 21 miles due north of Detroit Lakes. Ogema was founded in 1906, nearly 40 years after the establishment of the surrounding White Earth Reservation; its name, however, means "Chief" in the Chippewa language. The town developed as the result of the Soo Railroad Line's northward expansion. Today, Ogema is home to a municipal liquor store, a community hall, a bank, Shirley's Cafe, Green's Family Foods, Lorsung Hardware, and three service stations.