Burnsville Historical Society

Telling a community's story involves a host of choices for an all-volunteer group like ours. Where do we begin? What do we leave out?

It is vital that we all understand that this land was home for the Dakota. It was here that Black Dog led his people and settled along the river. Even before the 1851 Treaty removed the tribes to a reservation further west, settlers had appeared. In 1849 Black Dog Village had 18 residents. Ironically, only whites were counted.

Burnsville's modern story tells of the transition of a community consisting entirely of farms into the 1940s (pop 495) to a diverse and progressive city of 63,000 today. Its early residents were overwhelmingly Irish, with a smattering of Germans. Their descendants are still in the neighborhood. Their stories include thought-provoking tales of triumphs and tragedies.

Learning about one's community is rewarding, humbling, and very enjoyable. Join us! Support us!