Alexandria Runestone | Kensington Runestone

Nestled within the quaint town of Alexandria, Minnesota, lies an enigmatic artifact that has captivated the imagination of scholars and enthusiasts for over a century—the Kensington Runestone. Discovered in 1898 by Swedish immigrant Olof Ohman, the runestone has sparked intense debate over its authenticity and origin, shedding light on its profound significance in shaping the narrative of Minnesota’s history.

In the late 19th century, while clearing land on his farm near Kensington, Olof Ohman, a Swedish immigrant, unearthed a peculiar 202-lb slab of graywacke stone. According to his account, the stone was buried under the roots of a large tree. When unearthed, it was found to bear inscriptions mysterious markings resembling medieval Norse runes. Ohman’s son also reported seeing the stone before it was fully unearthed.

Initially dismissed as a mere curiosity, the significance of the discovery soon became apparent as experts examined the inscription. The runic script purportedly narrates the tale of a Viking expedition to the region in the year 1362, predating the arrival of Christopher Columbus to North America by over a century.

This revelation ignited a firestorm of speculation and intrigue, thrusting the small town of Kensington into the spotlight of international attention.

Runestones are ancient stone monuments bearing runic inscriptions, typically dating back to the Viking Age in Scandinavia, roughly from the late 8th to the early 12th century. They were erected as memorials, grave markers, or to commemorate significant events. These inscriptions often include names of individuals, messages, or stories from Norse mythology. The Kensington Runestone, is one of the few runestones found outside of Scandinavia.

Beyond its archaeological significance, the Kensington Runestone holds profound cultural and historical importance. If authentic, the inscription challenges conventional narratives of European exploration in North America, suggesting that Vikings may have ventured far beyond the confines of their Norse homelands.

The stone was then sent to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. It achieved brief success in 1949, when the stone was put on display at the Smithsonian Institution though the scholarly consensus dismissed it as a hoax.

Regardless of its authenticity, the Kensington Runestone continues to exert a profound influence on Minnesota’s cultural landscape. The name for the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings is a direct outcome of the fame of the Kensington Runestone and the annual Kensington Runestone Festival celebrates the region’s Scandinavian heritage.

While the initial draw of the the Runestone Museum is the Runestone itself, the museum also focuses on Fort Alexandria, a remarkable example of early Nordic-American folk culture. In the tumultuous aftermath of the Dakota Conflict of 1862, the landscape of Alexandria underwent a profound transformation. Fleeing settlers left behind ghostly remnants of their once-thriving communities. In response to the upheaval, the Eighth Regular Infantry, under the directive of the Governor of Minnesota, erected Fort Alexandria in the spring of 1863. This military stockade, a symbol of resilience amidst adversity, served as the nucleus of social and commercial activity in the region.

Stepping through the gates of Fort Alexandria, visitors are transported to an era of frontier living, where log residences, a church, a school, and a blacksmith shop dot the landscape. The meticulous reconstruction of these structures offers a vivid portrayal of pioneer life in Central Minnesota during the 19th century.

The museum’s extensive collection offers a kaleidoscopic view of history, from the storied adventures of the Vikings to the enduring legacy of Native American tribes. Among the highlights are the 45-foot Viking ship Snorri and the Native American exhibit. Through interactive exhibits and immersive experiences, visitors are invited to engage with the stories of those who came before, gaining insight into the challenges they faced and the triumphs they achieved.