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Northfield is a city mostly in Rice County, Minnesota, in the United States. The population was 17,147 at the 2000 census. A small part of the city extends into Dakota County. Northfield was founded by John W. North in 1855. Early industry included lumber and flour mills powered by the Cannon River, which flows through town. Northfield was at one time an agricultural center serving first wheat, then corn farms. The "wheat frontier" moved west, and dairy operations and other more diversified farms replaced wheat-based agriculture. The region now produces substantial amounts of corn, soybeans, and hogs. Dairy and beef operations are still present though not in the numbers they once were. Malt-O-Meal, a breakfast cereal maker, is what remains of the milling industry. When the factory cooks malt, the aromas bathe the town. Since very early in its history, Northfield has been a center of higher education. (Full article) |
