Is this a hitching post at historic Eidsvold, in southeastern MN.? This ghost town's one remaining building stands in the background.
FROM OUR ROADSIDE perspective, the cement post near the ditch along Goodhue County Road 30 appears to be a historical marker. After all, a road sign posted by the county historical society denotes this as the former site of Eidsvold.
But when I walk up to the marker, I find no words, only a plain column topped by two iron semi-circles embedded in the cement.
My husband and I, who are on a Sunday afternoon drive into the historical Sogn Valley area of Minnesota, conclude this is a hitching post. Are we right?
We wonder too about the dilapidated building a stone’s throw away. Ignoring signs to keep out, we move in closer. I step over fallen branches to peer inside the structure, where oats spill from an open doorway.
Wood, muted gray by exposure to the elements, and rugged limestone, stacked irregularly to form an interior wall, invite me to wonder about this building’s history.
Who built this structure? When? And was it always used for grain storage?
I wonder, because I am always and forever wondering.
Who lived in this ghost town presumably named after Eidsvoll, Norway?
Up close, this sure looks like a hitching post to me. Am I right?
The Goodhue County Historical Society placed this historical interest sign at the ghost town of Eidsvold. The sign was erected to preserve the history of this former post office site and to recognize its historical contribution to the area.
A peek inside the interior of Eidsvold's single remaining structure reveals oats strewn on the floor.
© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
What a lovely drive… It looks like a hitching post to me, too.
I love to go on these country drives, looking for the little surprises off the beaten path. This locale is in a national historic agricultural district in southeastern Minnesota called Sogn Valley. I have more photos from this Sunday afternoon drive, but haven’t had time yet to pull them together for a blog post.
Anyone else out there think this is a photo of a hitching post, as Kristin and I think?
Reading about Eidsvold reminds me that was not the only Eidsvold in Minnesota. Christiania Lutheran Church on Pillsbury Ave in Lakeville also was in the area known as Eidsvold. That was a popular name for Norwegian settlers after the 1814 signing of Constitution at Eidsvold, Norway.
Louise, thank you for sharing that bit of information. It makes sense. Next time I’m in Lakeville, I will have to look for Christiania Lutheran.
If this is the same Eidsvold, my grandma and her siblings were born there. I would love to learn more about the area too!
I’m guessing there’s only one Eidsvold, Minnesota. I hope you can find more info somewhere.