Esko, Minnesota

Esko is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Thomson Township, Carlton County, Minnesota, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population was 1,869.[2]

Esko
Census-designated place (CDP) and Unincorporated community
Esko
Location of the community of Esko
within Thomson Township, Carlton County
Coordinates: 46°42′21″N 92°21′48″W
CountryUnited States
StateMinnesota
CountyCarlton County
TownshipThomson Township
Area
 • Total4.861 sq mi (12.59 km2)
 • Land4.861 sq mi (12.59 km2)
 • Water0 sq mi (0 km2)
Elevation
1,168 ft (356 m)
Population
 • Total1,869
 • Density380/sq mi (150/km2)
ZIP code
55733
Area code(s)218
GNIS feature ID643411[3]

The community is located between Cloquet and Duluth at the junction of Interstate 35 and County Road 1 (Thomson Road). Esko is located six miles east (northeast) of the city of Cloquet; and 16 miles southwest of the city of Duluth.

Carlton County Road 61 serves as a main route in the community.

Most of the residents are descendants of Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish immigrants who settled the area during the early 20th century. The nearby community of Thomson also is known to have a large Scandinavian presence.

Most students in kindergarten through twelfth grade attend classes at Winterquist Elementary School and Lincoln High School of Esko.

History

Esko was settled by immigrants between the 1870s and early 1900s. The majority of settlers were Finnish and their culture is reflected in the traditions of the community. In 1919 a small store was built at the corner of what is now Thomson Road and County 61 by a man named Alex Esko. It became known as "Esko's Corner." The Lincoln School was built nearby in 1920 and residents began to move into the area. The name was shortened to "Esko" in 1935.[4]

The community offers detailed records of its history in the published book entitled Esko's Corner by the Esko Historical Society. The same group runs a small museum in the heart of the community.[4]

References
  1. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  2. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
  3. "Esko, Minnesota". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  4. "Esko History"Esko Historical Society. Retrieved 04/02/16



This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.