History of Emmetsburg

In the mid 1800s, migration from Ireland to America was at its peak. After arriving in New York, many Irishmen worked their way west. Six such families, attracted to the fertile land of Northwest Iowa, established a frontier Irish colony in Palo Alto County on the banks of the Des Moines River near the present site of Emmetsburg.

In later years, they were joined by other Irish immigrants homesteading throughout several townships within the county. Later, a town was platted and named Emmetsburg in honor of the Irish Patriot, Robert Emmet, who in 1803 was executed by the English government in Ireland’s fight for independence. A statue of Robert Emmet, one of Ireland’s most venerated heroes, stands in the Palo Alto County Court House square.

The culture and customs of the Emerald Isle were preserved in the area. One such custom was the observance of St. Patrick’s Day. The festivities have grown from a small group of men marching down Main Street with the Coat of Arms and green derbies to a gala three-day celebration that includes a variety of activities to please people of all ages.

The link to Ireland was further reinforced in 1962. Negotiations between the Emmetsburg Mayor and the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ireland, resulted in a joint proclamation officially declaring the two as “Sister Cities.” Through this declaration, they agreed to join together in the rejoicing and celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.