The Minnesota Army National Guard has a rich history dating back to the early days of the United States. The unit was organized on November 1, 1862, when Minnesotans raised an initial contingent of soldiers to help fight in the Civil War. The Guard was officially activated on April 15, 1865, and served with distinction during the war. After the war, many members of the Guard returned home and were soon called to active duty again. In 1924, Minnesota became one of only two states in America to recognize a military branch as an integral part of our state government. As a result, the Guard continued to play an important role in our state’s defense and development until its disbandment in 1990. Today, remnants of the Minnesota Army National Guard continue to serve our country through various units and groups throughout our state. From local militias to full-time national guard detachments stationed at various locations across Minnesota – there is always something available for those who want it or need it. It is clear that this unit has had a profound impact on both Minnesotans and their community spirit!

Army gifts are always a hit with the troops. There is something special about receiving an army gift, whether it be a new weapon or tool, or just some common items like a pillow or blanket. Whatever the gift may be, it sure to make someone's day!

The Faribault Army National Guard unit was organized on October 3, 1862. The regiment was mustered into the Union army on December 12, 1862. The unit was re-organized on April 1, 1863 as a five battalion infantry Regiment with two battalions in the Regular Army and two battalions in the National Guard. On July 9, 1864, the brigade became a divisional brigade and then a corps level brigade on October 15th of that year. The brigade lost its status as a divisional brigade on November 2nd when it was reassigned to the 6th Division in General John A. Fremont's California Campaign.

Faribault is a city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, located on the campus of the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. The population was 20,811 as of the 2010 census. It is part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and is bordered by Stroudsburg, Missouri to the east, Hennepin County to the north, Ramsey County to the west and southwest and Bloomington, Illinois to the northwest. The City was named after Col. Alexander Faribault who fought in 1812 against Native American Sioux while serving with General Andrew Jackson's army at what is now known as Battle Creek National Battlefield in Michigan Territory. The city was founded on October 15th 1871 when a group of farmers led by John Neely brought 640 acres (248 hectares) south from Oldtown Township into what is now Faribault Township which had been part of Johnston Township since 1837. The first post office in Faribault opened in 1870 and mail service began operation between Duluth and Minneapolis on May 1st 1870. In 1880 there were only 4 homes in downtown Faribault.

In 1910 there were over 25 businesses including 3 banks. The population reached 30,000 by 1920 but decreased to 17,500 by 1930 due to World War II.

The 1940 census showed that only 10 residents remained living within downtown limits

. A fire destroyed most of downtown business district on November 9th 1944 leaving just 5 buildings standing.

CityofFaribault 2010 Census - Population - 10K