Jordan, Minnesota

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Jordan, Minnesota
settlement_type = City
nickname =
motto =

imagesize = 250px
image_caption = Old City Hall


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mapsize = 250px
map_caption = Location of Jordan, Minnesota


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map_caption1 =

subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Minnesota
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Scott

government_footnotes =
government_type =
leader_title =
leader_name =
leader_title1 =
leader_name1 =
established_title =
established_date =

unit_pref = Imperial
area_footnotes =

area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 6.8
area_land_km2 = 6.8
area_water_km2 = 0.1
area_total_sq_mi = 2.6
area_land_sq_mi = 2.6
area_water_sq_mi = 0.0

population_as_of = 2000
population_footnotes =
population_total = 3833
population_density_km2 = 566.2
population_density_sq_mi = 1466.5

timezone = Central (CST)
utc_offset = -6
timezone_DST = CDT
utc_offset_DST = -5
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m = 235
elevation_ft = 771
latd = 44 |latm = 40 |lats = 6 |latNS = N
longd = 93 |longm = 37 |longs = 57 |longEW = W

postal_code_type = ZIP code
postal_code = 55352
area_code = 952
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 27-32174GR|2
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 0645735GR|3
website = [http://www.jordan.govoffice.com/ www.jordan.govoffice.com]
footnotes =

Jordan is a city in Scott County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 3,833 at the 2000 census.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.6 square miles (6.8 km²), of which, 2.6 square miles (6.8 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) of it (0.76%) is water. U.S. Highway 169; and State Highways 21 and 282 are three of the main routes in the community.

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 3,833 people, 1,349 households, and 980 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,466.5 people per square mile (567.0/km²). There were 1,423 housing units at an average density of 544.4/sq mi (210.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.08% White, 0.50% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 3.10% from other races, and 1.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.60% of the population.

There were 1,349 households out of which 44.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.3% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the city the population was spread out with 33.5% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 100.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $47,468, and the median income for a family was $53,363. Males had a median income of $36,206 versus $26,806 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,217. About 1.9% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

Local culture

"Heimatfest", a German heritage festival, is held every September. Festivities include a 5K run, a parade, car shows, and fireworks at Lagoon Park.

Home of the Robert Patterson Post #3 Jordan Legion Baseball Team. Post #3 won the League Tournament five straight times from 2004 to 2008. Won the District Tournament five straight years from 2004 to 2008. Won the State Tournament four straight years from 2005 to 2008. Won the National/Regional Tournament three straight years from 2005 to 2007 and took runner-up in 2008.

Local celebrities include Playboy playmates Nicole, Erica and Jaclyn Dahm, one of whom married the son of Doctor Phil

Sex abuse scandal

Beginning in 1983, Jordan was swept up in an instance of what has been called satanic ritual abuse. Twenty-four adults were arrested and charged with acts of sexual abuse, child pornography and other crimes. [ [http://www.petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/jordan/ Jordan, Minnesota ] ]

According to Jordan native Tom Dubbe, the scandal began with the arrest of 26-year-old James Rud on sex abuse charges. Rud undoubtedly had a history of child molestation, but "once Rud was arrested he was given a difficult choice by Minnesota's first woman county attorney, Kathleen Morris. Morris suggested: Name names and we'll go easier on you." [ [http://www.armchairinterviews.com/reviews/categories/nonfiction/nightmares_and_secrets_the_real_story_of_the_1984_child_sexual_abuse_scandal_in_jordan_minnesota.php Book Review: Nightmares and Secrets: The Real Story of the 1984 Child Sexual Abuse Scandal in Jordan, Minnesota by Tom Dubbe, Ph.D ] ] Before long, many people were implicated in the scandal, and the case earned national press coverage.

Ultimately, the accused were exonerated of any wrongdoing, because the county attorney was afraid the children would collapse under cross examination. [ [http://www.petdance.com/actionpark/bigblack/jordan/ Jordan, Minnesota ] ]

The incident is mentioned by Justice Antonin Scalia in his dissenting opinion in the case of Maryland v. Craig. He argues that the right to confront one's accusers is essential to protecting innocent defendants against "a child's distorted or coerced recollections" in the face of "misguided investigative techniques." [ [http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/89-478.ZD.html Maryland v. Craig, 497 U.S. 836 (1990) ] ]

The song "Jordan, Minnesota" by the band Big Black was written about the incident.

References

External links

* [http://www.jordanchamber.org/history.htm Town History]
* [http://www.jordannews.com/ "Jordan Independent" newspaper site]