White Earth, MN

White Earth is a small town located in northeastern Minnesota. The population of White Earth was 7,851 as of the 2010 census. White Earth is the county seat of Le Sueur County.

The economy of White Earth is based largely on agriculture and tourism. The town's main industries are food processing, tourism, and retail sales. The town's largest employers are the Le Sueur County government and the Mayo Clinic Health System.

The land that now makes up White Earth was first settled by the Ojibwe people in 1795. In 1853, white settlers arrived in the area and began to farm the land. In 1868, a post office was established in what would become known as White Earth Village. The village grew rapidly due to its location on the railroad line between Minneapolis and St Paul. By 1900, there were enough white residents to form a village council and elect a mayor.

In 1902, an election was held to determine whether or not White Earth should become an incorporated municipality with its own mayor and councilmembers elected by popular vote or remain a village governed by an elected board of trustees appointed by the county sheriff. The majority of voters chose incorporation which took effect on January 1, 1903.

During World War II, many men from White Earth served in military service overseas including two who were killed in action: Sgt Alvin Cottrell (1921-1945) and Pfc Harold Olson (1924-1945). In recognition of their sacrifice, Olson Park was dedicated in 1945 near where he died during combat operations in Germany while serving with Company B, 327th Infantry Regiment (United States).

In 1948, construction began on Mayo Clinic Health System's first hospital building which opened that year as Mayo Memorial Hospital #1 with 128 beds serving both patients from within Le Sueur County as well as those from surrounding counties such as Anoka County who traveled there for treatment due to lack of facilities closer to home.. Mayo Memorial Hospital #2 opened adjacent to Mayo Clinic Health System's original hospital building in 1971 with 256 beds providing comprehensive care for patients from all over southeastern Minnesota including Whiteside County which had been annexed into Le Sueur County that year.. As medical technology has advanced over time so too has Mayo Clinic Health System's ability to provide world-class care for its patients through multiple hospitals throughout southeastern Minnesota including: Mayo Clinic Health System - Albert Lea; Mayo Clinic Health System - Austin; Mayo Clinic Health System - Brainerd; Mayo Clinic Health System - Burnsville; Mayo Clinic Health Systems - Champlin; Rochester Regional Medical Center – Olmsted Falls; UnityPoint Saint Joseph – Albert Lea Campus