Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock 1914
The above map is from 1914. Chimney Rock Township was formed on November 22, 1881, from parts of Burnside and Albion. According to the 1917 HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY, Chimney Rock , ‘owing to the nature of its surface was not settled until after the other townships in the county. The first permanent settler was Daniel Borst who brought his family here in 1865.’ Settlers in Bennet Valley were Hans Herbjornson, Austin Gunderson, Halvor Austinson, Aslak Torgerson, and Gudmund Knudson. The first settlers were almost all from Norway. Chimney
Rock was named after a ‘conspicuous landmark’–a rock formation near the old stagecoach trail. It was the highest point in the vicinity and was originally known as the ‘Devil’s Chimney’. There is an old story in the county about Jesse James burying his loot from the Northfield Raid at the foot of the Chimney Rock. The little trading center of Russell located in the western portion of the Town at one time had a school, general store and cheese factory. The mail was delivered to the Russell Store three times a week until the establishment of the rural delivery system. A general store, Lutheran church, mill and school were also located at the present day junction of Hwy 93 and CR Y and was known as Chimney Rock.

 

 

Chimney Rock