As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, we’re looking back at another important national milestone — and the role Murray County played in celebrating it more than 50 years ago.
On June 16, 1975, residents gathered at the End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum in Currie for a special Bicentennial Flag Presentation Ceremony.
In preparation for the nation’s 200th birthday in 1976, the town of Currie had applied to the Minnesota American Revolution Bicentennial Commission to be recognized as an official Bicentennial Community.
That designation brought a special visitor to Currie.
A Lieutenant Governor Comes to Currie
The chair of the Minnesota commission, Lieutenant Governor Rudy Perpich, traveled to End-O-Line to officially present Currie with its Bicentennial flag.
And Murray County apparently knew how to turn out for the occasion!
During the ceremony, Perpich remarked that more people had turned out for the Bicentennial presentation in Currie than had attended four similar presentations in the Twin Cities metro area.
After Perpich presented the flag to Mayor Donahue, the Tracy High School pep band played America the Beautiful as the new Bicentennial flag was raised on a newly installed flagpole.
And Perpich’s visit didn’t end with the ceremony. He also got a free spin on the End-O-Line turntable before leaving!
From America’s 200th to America’s 250th
The photographs preserved in the Murray County Historical Society’s collection capture more than just an event. They provide a glimpse of how a small southwest Minnesota community came together to celebrate a milestone in our nation’s history.
Now, more than five decades later, we’re celebrating another one.
In 1976, America turned 200. In 2026, America turns 250.
These photographs are a wonderful reminder that national history isn’t something that only happens in Washington, D.C., or in history books. It’s celebrated, experienced and remembered right here in communities like Currie and throughout Murray County.
And preserving those photographs and stories allows us to share those moments with another generation.
