Miscellaneous Information
Various Identification Codes ...
GNIS Codes ...
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) was created to address the problems caused by spelling and naming variations. The BGN will usually recognize an existing name or, when necessary, chose a name for a geographic feature (such as a mountain, lake, river, stream, city, town, village, dam, bridge, etc).
The BGN names are kept in a database called the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and it is the official Federal repository. The GNIS is operated and maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
A unique and permanent identification number has been assigned for each name in the GNIS database. These names and identifiers are definitive and it is intended that they are to be used by all departments of the Federal Government:
GNIS ID for Hereford: 2119820
GNIS ID for Grant County: 659471
GNIS ID for Minnesota: 662849
FIPS Codes ...
In a past effort, various federal agencies worked together to create a set of codes with a purpose similar to the GNIS codes. These codes are called the Federal Information Processing Standard (or the FIPS 55 codes). Although they are still used by some organizations, the FIPS codes are obsolete and will ultimately be replaced by the GNIS codes.
While FIPS codes have been assigned to all counties and states, a specific code has not been assigned to Hereford. The following FIPS codes apply to the State and County:
| State Code: | 27 (Minnesota) |
| County Code: | 051 (Grant County) |
GPS Location - GNIS Coordinates ...
An important aspect of the GNIS code is that it assigns a GPS location (the latitude/longitude) to the geographic feature. This location is simply a point on the map and does not represent the size or shape of the feature. In the case of Hereford, it is a point within Hereford that might be a post office, the city hall or simply an intersection - the point should really be considered arbitrary and only indicating a general location.
For Hereford, the GNIS GPS location is given as:
Lat: 46° 0' 51" (or 46.01°)
Lon: -96° 8' 30" (or -96.14°)
Regional Codes ...
For statistical purposes, the US Census Bureau has divided the country into four Regions. Hereford is located in Region #2 (the Midwest Region).
In turn, the US Census Bureau has further divided each Region into Divisions. Hereford is located in Division #4 (the West North-Central Division).
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has created ten Federal Regions. Hereford is located in Region V (Region 5).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created ten Management Regions. Hereford is located in Region V (Region 5).
Referenced GNIS Records ...
GNIS ID #2119820 (Name of Record: Hereford (historical))
Class: populated place
A place or area having clustered or scattered buildings and a permanent population (such as a city, settlement, town or village). The boundaries may or may not coincide with the perceived population.
A 'populated place' record may have a corresponding 'census' or 'civil' record. The information contained in the 'populated place' record applies only to the class and should not be confused with either the 'census' and 'civil' classes.
County: Grant
Map Name: Stony Lake
Lat: 46.0144444 Lon: -96.1419444
Elev: 331 ft.
Off-the-Road Links ...
Unfortunately, we don't know of a website for Hereford. If you can help, please contact us through our Feedback Page.
The official website for Grant County: www.co.grant.mn.us/
The official website for State of Minnesota: https://mn.gov/
The official website of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN)
The official website of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
The official website of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
The official website of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)