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Ada, MN
Ada, the county seat of Norman county, Minnesota, is situated in the heart of the famous Red River valley, and is the pride of all who make it their home. The town is located in a rich farming community and is a hub for local commerce, healthcare and recreation. It has two business parks, strong city services, a vibrant Chamber of Commerce, an Economic Development Authority, an excellent school, numerous clubs and entertainment for all.
Ada was laid out in 1874 and incorporated on February 9, 1881. It was named in honor of a daughter of William H. Fisher of St. Paul, then attorney and superintendent of the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, under whose superintendency this line of the Red River Valley was constructed. As Norman County grew in the 1880s, they were outgrowing their current space being used as a county courthouse in Ada, and erecting a new building was on the horizon. At the time, Norman County was bigger than today, with Twin Valley roughly at the geographic center. Starting in 1900, Twin Valley worked to rally support behind the goal of building the new courthouse there, turning it into the county seat as well. Two petitions and one vote later, Ada won the challenge. In 1906, it became a moot point when Mahnomen County was formed, shrinking Norman County and making Ada the geographic center.
The Prairie Village on the west edge of Ada on Highway 200 provides an adventure into the Norman County of long ago. Nine historic buildings and a Log Museum containing the rotating exhibits will offer you an insight into what makes Norman County the wonderful place that it is.
