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Welcome to
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IN EMBARRASS
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Our History |
The first organizational meeting was held July 29, 1905 to form the Embarrass Township. Choosing a name for this new organized township has a tale of its own. "Embarrass" comes from a French word which means "To hinder, confuse or to be complicated".
The Town of Embarrass lies in the Embarrass River Valley near the Laurentian Divide on the Iron Range. French explorers traveling through the area by canoe found it very difficult to maneuver through all the obstacles and debris that was in the way. This is how the Embarrass River was named. Later, when the railroad system was established, the depot which stood near the Embarrass River also bore the name Embarrass. It was then appropriate that the township should also hold this name. Early records show that the Dakota Indians were the earliest inhabitants of the area. As the Dakota moved westerly, the Anishinaabe moved into the area. Later various woodsmen and Finnish inhabitants dominated the area. The Finns, known for their determination or "sisu" carved their homesteads and fields in the areas forests and began farming. Similar topography and climate in their native Finland probably attracted to many to this area. Later churches, schools, roads and businesses became established. It wasn't until the boom of the taconite mining industry in the mid-1900's that other people with different nationalities moved into the area. Today, the community of Embarrass is still thriving. Mining is still a prevalent industry in the area, however residents commute to neighboring towns for other employment opportunities, also. The township has continually worked with other organizations that have been developed to promote and benefit the community. Sisu Heritage Inc., a non-profit organization, preserves the Finnish culture through crafts, festivals and architecture of the neighboring old homestead and log buildings. The Embarrass Regional Fair Association sponsors a yearly fair held at the end of August among other events through the year. The Embarrass Region Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders cover Embarrass and neighboring townships with fire protection. With the work and collaboration between each organization, the town board strives to move the community forward and provide a beneficial place to live. |