# Buchanan County, Minnesota *Former county in Minnesota, dissolved in 1861* Buchanan County was a county in the U.S. state of [[Minnesota]] that existed from 1857 to 1861. It was established in the [[Minnesota Territory]] and named for President James Buchanan. Its area covered 24 townships that today make up the northern half of [[Pine County, Minnesota]].[^1] The settlement of Fortuna, now called Sandstone, was its seat. In 1861 the county was abolished and its land was merged into Pine County.[^1] Pine County residents later proposed splitting their county in two and restoring Buchanan County. The proposal went to a referendum in 2000, and voters rejected it.[^1] ## History The county was created on May 23, 1857, during the territorial period. Its name honored James Buchanan, who was then president.[^1] Its boundaries took in the 24 northern townships of the present Pine County. Fortuna, the community now named Sandstone, served as the county seat.[^1] Buchanan County's separate existence ended in 1861, when it was dissolved and combined with Pine County.[^1] ## Proposed re-creation Residents of Pine County proposed dividing the county into two halves, with one half becoming a revived Buchanan County. The question appeared on the ballot in 2000, and voters defeated it.[^1] ## Notes [^1]: Wikipedia contributors, *Buchanan County, Minnesota* (revision 1378406910, retrieved 2026-10-25) — establishment on May 23, 1857, in the Minnesota Territory; naming for James Buchanan; the 24 northern townships now forming the northern half of Pine County; seat at Fortuna (Sandstone); dissolution into Pine County in 1861; the 2000 referendum on re-creation and its rejection. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buchanan_County,_Minnesota