Albert Lea, Minnesota

Albert Lea (Template:IPAc-en Template:Respell)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> is a city in Freeborn County, in southern Minnesota.<ref name="GR6">Template:Cite web</ref> It is the county seat. Its population was 18,492 at the 2020 census.<ref name="2020 Census (City)">Template:Cite web</ref>

The city is at the junction of Interstates 35 and 90, about Template:Convert south of the Twin Cities. It is on the shores of Fountain Lake, Pickerel Lake, Albert Lea Lake, Goose Lake, School Lake, and Lake Chapeau. Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake are part of the Shell Rock River flowage.

The city's early growth was based on agriculture, farming support services and manufacturing, and it was a significant rail center. At one time it was the site of Cargill's headquarters.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Other manufacturing included Edwards Manufacturing (barn equipment), Scotsman Ice Machines, Streater Store fixtures, and Universal Milking Machines. As in many U.S. cities, Albert Lea's manufacturing base has substantially diminished. A major employer was the Wilson & Company meatpacking plant, later known as Farmstead and Farmland. This facility was destroyed by fire in July 2001.

History

File:Albert Lea.jpg

Albert Lea, Template:Circa

The city is named after Albert Lea Lake, which was named after Albert Miller Lea, a topographer with the United States Dragoons, who surveyed southern Minnesota and northern Iowa in 1835, including the current site of Albert Lea.<ref name=EarlySett>Template:Cite web</ref> Captain Nathan Boone, a son of Daniel Boone, was the scout for Lea's unit.

The city received national attention in 1959 after Local 6 of the United Packinghouse Workers of America went on strike against Wilson & Co., one of the Big Four meatpacking plants at the time, over issues involving mandatory overtime requirements.<ref name="isbn Cheri Register">Register, Cheri (2001) Packinghouse Daughter, HarperCollins. Template:ISBN</ref> When Wilson & Co. attempted to operate the plant with replacement workers, violence erupted and split the town. During the 109-day strike, Governor Orville Freeman acted to quell the violence by closing the plant, calling in the Minnesota National Guard, and declaring martial law on December 11.<ref>"Martial Law Ordered in Meat Strike", Oakland Tribune, December 11, 1959, p1</ref> A federal district court in Minneapolis ruled against Freeman on December 23, and the plant turned back to Wilson & Co. just days later.<ref name="isbn Richard T Frost">Frost, Richard T. (1961) Cases in State and Local Government, Prentice-Hall LCCR: 61008224</ref>

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of Template:Convert, of which Template:Convert is land and Template:Convert is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">Template:Cite web</ref> Myre-Big Island State Park is nearby. There are three main lakes in Albert Lea: Fountain Lake, Pickerel Lake and Albert Lea Lake. Template:Wide image

Climate

Albert Lea has a humid continental climate of the hot-summer subtype (Köppen Dfa). Albert Lea varies from cold winters to hot summers, with significant contrasts between seasons. Its climate type is typical for inland northern United States locations, but due to its southern position in the state, its summers and winters have higher temperatures than other, more northerly regions of the state. An exception to this rule is the urban core of Minneapolis - St. Paul, which sees higher temperatures typical of an urban heat island, but Albert Lea is significantly warmer than locations such as Duluth.

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 18,016 people, 7,774 households, and 4,644 families living in the city. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 8,410 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the city was 90.0% White, 1.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.3% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.2% of the population.

There were 7,774 households, of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.0% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.3% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.85.

The median age in the city was 44 years. 21.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22% were from 25 to 44; 26.3% were from 45 to 64; and 22.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 18,356 people, 7,785 households, and 4,826 families living in the city. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 8,133 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the city was 92.80% White, 0.37% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 4.54% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. 9.48% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 7,785 households, 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.88.

23.0% of Albert Lea's population were under the age of 18, 7.9% were 18 to 24, 24.6% were 25 to 44, 23.2% were from 45 to 64, and 21.3% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,841, and the median income for a family was $42,407. Males had a median income of $31,383 versus $21,114 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,979. 10.2% of the population and 6.9% of families were below the poverty line. 10.6% of those under the age of 18 and 10.9% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Arts and culture

File:MarionRossAlbertLeaMN.jpg

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center

The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center is a historic building in downtown Albert Lea. The 255-seat theater is used for the arts, business meetings, and seminars.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Freeborn County Fair takes place annually in Albert Lea, and includes live entertainment, an antique tractor show, a draft horse show, a small and baby animal show, a midway featuring rides, concessions, and other attractions, and a Sunday church service. A number of well-known and popular Country and Western bands have appeared at the Fair, including Kelly Pickler, Jason Aldean, the Oak Ridge Boys, the Statler Brothers, among many others.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Albert Lea Art Center hosts public events.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Sports

The Albert Lea Thunder was a junior hockey team that played at Albert Lea Ice Arena and was a member of the North American Hockey League. The team operated for two seasons in 2008–10 and folded due to financial difficulties. On May 11, 2010, it was reported that the team had found new owners and would relocate to Texas for the 2010–11 season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Its roster was sold to the expansion Amarillo, Texas, franchise the Amarillo Bulls on May 26, 2010.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Government

Albert Lea's city hall is at 221 East Clark St. Albert Lea is in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Brad Finstad, a Republican from New Ulm.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It is in Minnesota State Senate District 23, represented by State Senator Gene Dornink, a Republican from Brownsdale, and in Minnesota's House District 23A, represented by Peggy Bennett, a Republican.<ref>Minnesota House of Representatives; Peggy Bennett, District 27A</ref> Template:Hidden begin

Precinct General Election Results<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Year	Republican	Democratic	Third parties
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|2020	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|51.4% 4,742	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|46.5% 4,296	2.1% 192
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|2016	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|49.8% 4,316	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|42.2% 3,657	8.0% 692
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2012	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|39.0% 3,523	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|58.8% 5,303	2.2% 202
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2008	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|37.9% 3,522	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|59.8% 5,562	2.3% 211
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2004	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|40.9% 2,801	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|57.8% 5,377	1.4% 126
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|2000	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|39.3% 3,381	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|55.2% 4,749	5.5% 479
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|1996	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|30.6% 2,576	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|56.7% 4,772	12.7% 1,072
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|1992	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|29.0% 2,727	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|47.5% 4,463	23.5% 2,201
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|1988	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|43.7% 3,608	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|56.3% 4,654	0.0% 0
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|1984	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|45.1% 4,158	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|54.9% 5,060	0.0% 0
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|1980	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|45.3% 4,048	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|49.1% 4,392	5.6% 503
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|1976	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|46.9% 4,255	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|51.9% 4,711	1.2% 110
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|1972	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|56.2% 4,825	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|42.8% 3,679	1.0% 82
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|1968	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|42.5% 3,374	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|54.7% 4,344	2.8% 226
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|1964	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|37.0% 2,969	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|62.9% 5,048	0.1% 14
style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|1960	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Republican|54.2% 4,231	style="text-align:center;" Template:Party shading/Democratic|45.7% 3,563	0.1% 11

Education

• School District 241
  • Alternative Learning Center
• Elementary schools
  • Halverson Elementary
  • Hawthorne Elementary
  • Lakeview Elementary
  • Sibley Elementary
  • St. Theodore's Catholic School
• Middle schools
  • Southwest Middle School
• High school
  • Albert Lea High School
• Higher education
  • Riverland Community College
  • Lea College, operated 1966–1973
• Community education
  • Albert Lea Community Ed

Media

The Albert Lea Tribune, founded in 1897, is a newspaper published Monday through Saturday in Albert Lea. It is owned by Boone Newspapers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=MNA>Template:Cite web</ref>

Radio stations with Albert Lea as the city of license include:

• KATE an AM radio station broadcasting at 1450 kHz. The station airs news/talk programming and is owned by Alpha Media.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• KCPI "94.9 The Breeze" an FM radio station broadcasting at 94.9 MHz. The station airs an adult contemporary music programming and is owned by Alpha Media.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• KQPR "Power 96" an FM radio station broadcasting at 96.1 MHz. The station airs classic rock music programming and is owned by D&Z Media LLC.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Transportation

File:Albert Lea airport.jpg

Albert Lea Municipal Airport

Local bus service in Albert Lea is provided by SMART. SMART operates one deviated fixed route and paratransit service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Notable people

• Clare Hibbs Armstrong, brigadier general during World War II
• Alfred Berglund, Minnesota state senator and farmer
• Beatrice Gjertsen Bessesen (1886–1935), operatic soprano and namesake of the Bessesen Building
• Tom Brown (Canadian football), Minnesota Golden Gophers and BC Lions football star
• Richard Carlson, sci-fi and horror, writer, director and actor
• Vinny Cerrato, former Washington Redskins general manager
• Eddie Cochran, rockabilly musician
• Robert Crumb, cartoonist and musician<ref name="ameshistoricalsociety-r_crumb">Template:Cite web</ref>
• Richard Fitzgerald, farmer, businessman, and Minnesota state legislator
• Al Franken, comedian, commentator and U.S. Senator
• Joan Claire Graham, writer, editor and publisher
• Alexander Grinager, an artist most noted for his murals, born in Albert Lea
• Rudolph Hanson, lawyer and Minnesota state legislator
• Steve Heitzeg, composer, born in Albert Lea
• Mary Kelly, conceptual artist
• Jodi Jill, author, also known for having been raised as a child in a public storage facility
• John A. Lovely, Minnesota Supreme Court justice
• Paul Overgaard, businessman and Minnesota state legislator
• Tim Penny, U.S. Representative (1983–1995), born in Albert Lea
• Mark Piepho, businessman and Minnesota state legislator
• Marion Ross, actress (Happy Days)
• Olive Nelson Russell, composer, organist, and pianist
• Perry Saturn, professional wrestler
• William B. Sieglaff, double Navy Cross recipient and US Navy Admiral
• Warren Stowell, teacher, businessman, and Minnesota state legislator
• Ben Woodside, Professional Basketball Player

See also

• 2010 Conger–Albert Lea tornado
• Albert Lea Municipal Airport
• Albert Lea Public Library
• AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project

External links

• City of Albert Lea Official website