At the Riverside Cemetery we found this unique log cabin grave marker … it’s a tribute to Moses Sailor, the first permanent settler in Faribault County, arriving in 1855.

The Etta C. Ross Memorial Library is another attractive building. It was dedicated in 1904 as a memorial to the wife of William E. C. Ross, a Blue Earth banker. Used as a library until 1985, the building is now a museum.

Blue Earth's other claim to fame is that it is located at the center of Interstate 90. Extending from Boston to Seattle, I-90 is America's longest interstate highway. In a style reminiscent of driving the "Golden Spike" that symbolized finishing the nation's first transcontinental railroad, dedication ceremonies were held to mark the spot where the east and west coasts were officially joined. Click here to read the historic marker.

Instead of a golden spike, a small part of the new concrete pavement was tinted gold.  Believe it or not, the Jolly Green Giant was temporally hung from a crane to preside over the dedication ceremonies.

After visiting Blue Earth we drove down the road to the larger town of Fairmont … a town with a picturesque setting amidst a chain of five lakes. We spent drove by one of the pretty lake side parks and admired the stately homes.

We especially liked the George Wohlhuter Mansion with its Corinthian columns, cut glass windows and wrap around porch. It was built in 1899 for $35,000.

Sherry became enamored with this cottage style home located directly across the street from the Wohlhuter Mansion.

On our way out of town we stopped to admire the Martin County Courthouse. This 1907 Renaissance style structure is located on the site of Old Fort Fairmount. The dome extends 58 feet above the roof and is quite imposing.

You can click here for a better view.

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