Renville County was established in 1855 and named in honor of Joseph Renville, a local explorer, trader, scout, interpreter and soldier. Beaver Falls was originally selected as the county seat and the region began to develop upon construction of the railroad. Agriculture led the area’s industry and due to the marshy soil, drainage ditches were built to make the land more tillable. By 1900 its population had reached 23,693 and the county seat was moved to Olivia after much controversy. The area is now comprised of over 3,000 miles of drainage ditch to allow for better farming and is home to one of the oldest known rocks in Minnesota, the Rainbow Gneiss. Today Renville County is home to approximately 15,718 residents.