Celebrate The Defeat Of A Notorious Outlaw At This Small-Town Minnesota Festival
By Trent Jonas|Published August 25, 2023
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
One of the most significant events to happen in Northfield, Minnesota – a charming college town of around 20,000 people – occurred on one day in September of 1876. The events of that day set into motion the downfall of one of the most notorious outlaws in United States history. And it also gave Northfield a reason to throw a party. For more than 75 years, this community has been hosting the Defeat of Jesse James Days, one of the most beloved small-town festivals in Minnesota. This year’s event takes place September 6 through September 10, 2023 – so be sure to mark your calendars!
Today, Northfield, Minnesota, home to two respected liberal arts colleges, looks like a handsome, Midwestern river town with a well-preserved downtown area filled with historic buildings.
Recognizing what was happening, the people of Northfield fought back, injuring all of the gang members and killing two. Surviving members fled, pursued by a posse and a small militia.
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The rest of the gang was cornered in Madelia, Minnesota, west of Northfield. One outlaw was killed.
Frank and Jesse James escaped to Missouri, but the rest of their gang was rounded up and captured. Jesse James, himself, was eventually shot and killed in Missouri, in 1882, by one of his new accomplices.
In 1948, the town began hosting a fall festival. The theme of one the festival days was "Jesse James."
So, the name was changed to Defeat of Jesse James Days. Crowds flock to Northfield every year for the event, which takes place the weekend after Labor Day.
At the festival, you'll find food and vendors and live music, of course.
But the biggest draw to the festival are the several reenactments that take place of the course of the celebration.
People from all over the region - some in western costume - descend on Northfield to cheer on the brave townspeople, who eventually thwart the bank robbery and decimate the James-Younger Gang.
If you’re planning to attend any small-town festivals in Minnesota this year, this is one that should definitely be on your list. For more information, visit the Defeat of Jesse James Days website. And be sure to book your accommodations well in advance, as lodging options do fill up pretty quickly.
Have you attended Defeat of Jesse James Days? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
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