Моррис, Миннесота: История и современность города

City in Minnesota, United States

Morris is a city and the county seat of Stevens County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 5,105 at the 2020 census. Morris is surrounded by some of the nation's richest agricultural land, and agribusiness is important to the local economy. Headquartered in Morris, Riverview LLP is Minnesota's largest dairy milking operation and one of the largest in the nation. Other large economic contributors are beef feedlots and swine producers, manufacturing, education, and healthcare industries. The town is home to the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM), part of the University of Minnesota system. It was established as a public college in 1960 on the grounds of a former industrial school for Native Americans. Today the campus has a population of approximately 1,900 and is ranked as a "Top 10 Public Liberal Arts College" by U. S. News & World Report and one of "America's Top Colleges" by Forbes.

Morris was platted in 1869 and named for Charles A. Morris, a railroad official. A post office has been in operation at Morris since 1871. It was incorporated as a city in 1902. The federal government then appointed staff to manage the school into the early 20th century, before transferring it to the state. After the state took over the school in the early 20th century for general education, it taught agricultural topics. Agriculture has continued to be a major part of the economy. In 1909 the University of Minnesota established the West Central School of Agriculture (WCSA), and Morris closed. even though it was demolished in 2013. The 1975 Morris earthquake occurred on July 9, and was the state's largest 20th century earthquake, rated at 4.6 Mn. On June 4, 1993, another quake slightly shook the community. This one measured 4.1 in magnitude and was the third largest earthquake in Minnesota in the 20th century.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Morris has an area of 5.02 square miles (13 km2); 4.80 square miles (12 km2) is land and 0.22 square miles (1 km2) is water. Lake Crystal is in the southwestern part of town; the Pomme de Terre River flows through the town's eastern extremity. U. S. Highway 59 and Minnesota State Highways 9 and 28 are three of the main routes in the town.

Agribusiness contributes to the economy, as the region is still mostly rural. The state university is a major employer at its three facilities. Manufacturer Superior Industries employs about 800 people at its two plants in town. A majority of Superior's workforce is skilled in engineering or fabrication. The company manufactures steel conveyors and storage tanks for industries handling dry bulk, fuels and gases. In 2008, Inc. magazine ranked Superior Industries as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States.

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) is one of five campuses in the University of Minnesota system. It was established as a public college in 1960, on the grounds of the Morris Industrial School for Indians, which had also operated as an agricultural school. UMM has an enrollment of about 1,900 students and 145 teaching faculty. Some 61 students made up the first graduating class in 1961. Since then, Morris has conferred more than 10,000 degrees. Morris is home to the West Central Research and Outreach Center, a division of the greater University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. WCROC's faculty and staff study agronomy, soil science, livestock, horticulture, renewable energy and swine production. WCROC is home to the University of Minnesota's Horticulture Gardens. During the last decade, the privately funded research gardens have gained increasing popularity. Their design has increased in aesthetic appeal while maintaining a research base. Each summer, the gardens are host to thousands of visitors.

Prairie Pioneer Days is a family festival hosted by the Morris Area Chamber of Commerce every July, which celebrates European American settlement in the area. It includes many activities around town, including a parade, fireworks, and food and craft vendors. Since the late 20th century, festival organizers have also worked to include Native American participants and acknowledge contributions by their cultures.

The Stevens County Fair takes place in Morris on the second full weekend in August. It is known for entertainment, 4 H events and family time. Each year people from miles around come to see the exhibits, take in some entertainment in the grandstand and see old friends while sitting on one of many benches in the shade.

Four radio stations cover Morris; KMRS AM 1230, KKOK FM 95.7, and KRVY FM 97.3, all owned by Iowa City Broadcasting Company, Inc., and KUMM FM 89.7, operated by the University of Minnesota Morris. The Stevens County Times, a Forum Communications newspaper, publishes on Saturdays. It traces its roots to 1882.

The city owns and operates the Morris Municipal Airport. Until 1979, Morris was served by passenger rail at the Morris station.