Fulda, Minnesota

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.11 square miles (2.87 km²), of which 1.03 square miles (2.67 km²) is land and 0.08 square miles (0.21 km²) is water. The city is situated on the north end of Fulda Lake.

U.S. Highway 59 and Minnesota State Highway 62 are two of the main routes in the city.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 1,318 people, 566 households, and 324 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,279.6 inhabitants per square mile (494.1/km²). There were 615 housing units at an average density of 597.1 per square mile (230.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 91.7% White, 0.8% African American, 0.2% Native American, 4.2% Asian, 1.5% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.3% of the population.

There were 566 households of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.5% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.8% were non-families. 38.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 22.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.90.

The median age in the city was 46.8 years. 21.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.6% were from 25 to 44; 25.9% were from 45 to 64; and 26.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.1% male and 53.9% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,283 people, 528 households, and 328 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,328.3 people per square mile (510.7/km²). There were 568 housing units at an average density of 588.1 per square mile (226.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.10% White, 0.08% African American, 0.55% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 2.18% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.27% of the population.

There were 528 households out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. 35.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 24.4% 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 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out with 24.0% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 29.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 83.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,000, and the median income for a family was $37,500. Males had a median income of $26,469 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,184. About 4.1% of families and 6.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.

History

The city of Fulda was founded in 1881 along the Milwaukee Road primarily by German settlers, though also by Scandinavian and Irish. The community was named for Fulda in Hessen, Germany. Fulda is still predominantly an agricultural city.

Although the rail line was discontinued in 1980, the two-story depot building, along with a section of track, has been preserved and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lower level of the depot is currently used as an antique museum and store. The other building in the city on the National Register is the former Citizens State Bank building.

Fulda has a Civil War cannon located in its city park. This cannon is a three-inch (76 mm) rifled gun and was purchased for $155 on June 25, 1892, by the Zach Taylor Post No. 42 of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Notable people

Community and culture

Fulda promotes itself as the "Home of the Wood Duck" due to the large number of colorful wood ducks that migrate through the region, and man-made nests attached to trees are a common sight in the area. The annual Wood Duck Festival is held in June, and includes a parade, carnival attractions, and musical and talent performances in the park.

Local churches include First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), Saint Gabriel's Catholic Church, and Saint Paul's (LCMS) and Immanuel American (ELCA) Lutheran churches.

The area is served by the Fulda Free Press as well as other local and regional newspapers.

Local organizations include American Legion post 318, Boy Scout troop 123, Fish and Game Club, Jaycees, VFW post 9017.

Education

There are three schools in Fulda. Fulda Elementary School, Fulda Secondary School (also known as Fulda High School), and the Fulda Lutheran School. Formerly running in Fulda was the St. Gabriel's Catholic School.

Fulda Public Schools

Fulda Public Schools consists of Fulda Elementary School and Fulda Secondary School (or Fulda High School). The Fulda Public Schools' mascot is the "Raider" symbolized with a pirate on a crest with a sword behind it. Formerly, the Raider was represented by an American Indian on a horse. This district is one of the few remaining in this rural area that has not consolidated with neighboring towns due to generally declining enrollments. In addition to the youth in Fulda, the school district also has students from neighboring communities including Avoca, Iona, Dundee, Kinbrae, Wilmont, and Reading among others.

Accomplishments

St. Paul's Lutheran School

Fulda's Lutheran school serves preschool through 4th grade, and has been in existence since 1893.

Library

Fulda Memorial Library is a member of the Plum Creek Library System. It was expanded in 2002.

Politics

Fulda is located in Minnesota's 7th congressional district, represented by Detroit Lakes accountant Collin Peterson, a Democrat. At the state level, Fulda is located in Senate District 22, represented by Republican Bill Weber, and in House District 22A, represented by Republican Joe Schomacker.