Eagan’s Sesquicentennial: Here's to Another 150 Years

Eagan was established as a township in 1860, a year before the Civil War began, and two years after Minnesota became a state. This year, Eagan will host several events to commemorate its 150 year history and its big birthday.

War and outlaws, homesteads and wheat fields. 150 years ago, Eagan MN was a very different place. Even 100 years ago, the city was known as "The Onion capital of the World." When was the last time you heard it called that? Eagan has slowly transformed from a ruffed landscape to farms to a suburban community outside the city of Saint Paul.

The city has been collecting historical photos, and Eagan Communications Director Tom Garrison said he's been surprised looking at them. A photo of a car accident on Yankee Doodle Road and Pilot Knob Road in the early 1960s shows the intersection was surround by almost all fields. Today, it is one of the busiest intersections in Dakota County.

The idea is to celebrate the town's history, not by creating tons of new events, but by bolstering existing events, such as Eagan's July 4th Funfest celebration. Still, the committee is planning the kickoff, a fall celebration banquet and a food drive. They hope to collect 150,000 pounds of food for their 150th year.

The celebration starts this Saturday with a party at the Eagan Community Center.