Northfield, Minnesota, a vibrant college town of 17,509 situated on the banks of the scenic Cannon River, is rich in both past and promise. It was founded in 1855 by John North, a New England lawyer, who had a vision for a prosperous progressive community which valued education, innovation, and a commitment to the common good. Northfield has a rich agricultural tradition. In its early days, it was known for the flour its mills produced and then for its remarkable success with Holstein cows. Agriculture remains the area's largest industry, but the local economy has diversified and is now supported by higher education, food processing and distribution, and high-tech manufacturing. Carleton College and St. Olaf College are nationally-ranked, four-year liberal arts schools which bring 5000 energetic students to town each year. The colleges also provide a wealth of cultural opportunities for local residents, such as the famous St. Olaf Christmas Concert, art exhibits, lectures, and athletic events. Northfield has been a leader in education since its early years. Money magazine has named Northfield one of the best public school districts in the country. Other learning environments are offered in private settings. The town is perhaps best known for the dramatic 1876 raid on Northfield's First National Bank by the notorious outlaw Jesse James and his gang. The Northfield citizens' stubborn courage and sense of civic duty are traits that have been handed down through the generations. they are celebrated each September with the Defeat of Jesse James Days, one of the largest annual celebrations in the state. Northfield's historic downtown gives the community a sense of continuity and place. Band concerts in the square on summer evenings evoke Rockwellian images and rhythms of an earlier day. Even in these fast-paced, changing times, Northfield has been able to maintain its small-town, neighbor-to-neighbor identity and remain faithful to John North's vision of a town where community comes first.