Faribault, County seat in Rice County, Minnesota
Faribault sits where the Cannon and Straight Rivers meet in southern Minnesota. The city developed along these waterways, which continue to shape its layout and local economy today.
A fur trader established a trading post here in 1826, laying the foundation for settlement. Rapid growth followed in the 1850s, when the arrival of new transportation and industry transformed it into a thriving town.
The city hosts specialized schools that have drawn students from across the region for generations. These institutions shape the character of the community and make it a center for inclusive education.
Interstate 35 connects the city directly to Minneapolis-Saint Paul about 50 miles north. Visitors find it a walkable size, making it easy to explore downtown on foot.
A textile mill has operated here for over 150 years from the same riverside location. The factory stands as a rare example of an industry that has endured at its original site into the present day.
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