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Descendants of ‘First 85’ Black families who migrated to Fergus Falls in 1800s head home
By Star Tribune
· July 11, 2026
· 1 min read
Families made a pilgrimage to the west-central Minnesota town that formed them. “This place is a part of me,” 83-year-old Ron Tate said. “The good, and the not so good.”
Key takeaway “This place is a part of me,” 83-year-old Ron Tate said.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The return of the descendants of the "First 85" Black families to Fergus Falls marks a significant moment in the history of west-central Minnesota. As these families reconnect with their roots, it's a reminder that the Twin Cities area, including Minneapolis , has its own complex history of racial migration and settlement. The experiences of these families, both the good and the not so good, as Ron Tate noted, are likely to resonate with many in the Minneapolis community who have their own stories of migration and community-building. This pilgrimage also underscores the importance of preserving local history and cultural heritage, a concern that is relevant to many communities in Hennepin County, including Minneapolis. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it's crucial to acknowledge and learn from the experiences of its diverse residents, including those who have been shaped by the region's complex racial history.
About this story
Original reporting by Star Tribune . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Star Tribune . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 11, 2026 ·
Source: Star Tribune ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Families made a pilgrimage to the west-central Minnesota town that formed them. “This place is a part of me,” 83-year-old Ron Tate said. “The good, and the not so good.”
When was this published? This article was first published on July 11, 2026 by Star Tribune and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Star Tribune. To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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