A History: Stillwater, MN
Wednesday, August 1st, 2007
A smaller town on the eastern side of the Twin Cities metro area, Stillwater sits on the St. Croix river with stunning vistas and a beautifully preserved downtown area beloved for shopping and sightseeing.
Stillwater, Minnesota is the “birthplace of Minnesota”. While Fort Snelling had been built several years before, Stillwater was the first real civilian settlements in the territory. In fact Stillwater was started when the area was part of the Wisconsin territory - pretty interesting.
In 1836, the St. Croix River was part of the Wisconsin Territory. The first parts of Minnesota were not ceded in treaty with the Chippewa until 1838, though settlers were moving into the territory as early as 1820. One of those settlers was a man named Joe Brown, who set up a farm and store to supply the upriver fur traders.
Brown also helped in furthering the settlement which he called “Dacotah”, by bringing several family members west from Chicago.
Stillwater’s logging history started in 1842 when Jacob Fisher discovered a stream that, with a small dam, could power a sawmill. Working with lumbermen John McKusick and Elam Greely, Fisher built the first mill in Stillwater in early 1844. McKusick also built a boarding house and a company store, and ended up becoming sole owner of the mill.
Along with the mill, the settlers flocked in bringing business, farms, and many of the founders that helped shape Stillwater in its early years. At this point Stillwater was made the seat of St. Croix County of the Wisconsin Territory - this was about to change soon.
When Wisconsin became a state in 1848, the lands west of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers now had no government. With Joe Brown leading the way, the “Stillwater Convention” was held on August 26, 1848 in John McKusick’s store. In this convention the settlers and businesspeople met and drafted a petition to Congress to create a new territory called “Minnesota”. Henry Sibley was elected to deliver this “citizen’s petition” to the Congress of the United States.
With the actions of Sibley in Washington D.C., the Minnesota Territory was quickly organized and became a U.S. Territory in 1849. The first territorial District Court was held in Stillwater, the seat of newly formed Washington County, on August 13, 1849.
In 1851, the territorial prison was located in Stillwater on land that was known as “Battle Hollow” in reference to the Indian battle fought there in July 1839 by the Sioux and Chippewa. It started operations in 1853.
Finally, on March 4, 1854, Stillwater was incorporated as a city with John McKusick elected as it’s first Mayor. John McKusick is credited with naming Stillwater, partially because of the still water of Lake St. Croix and also from his hometown in Maine.
Stillwater has remained true to its roots as a small community. Though the logging operations have moved on, and it is now part of a larger metropolitan area, it keeps its own flavor as a beautiful, historical city. With many unique shops, historical sites, river scenery, parks, interesting eating establishments it makes for a great weekend getaway for many.
Every year in July the Stillwater Lumberjack Days are held in downtown Stillwater, with several world-championship titles up for grabs. If you’re looking for a fun, interesting place to spend a day or two - check out Stillwater, Minnesota.
Photograph from Washington County Historical Society
Visit WCHS’ page on Stillwater, MN
Google Map of Stillwater, MN: http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Stillwater,+MN&ie=UTF8&ll=45.067944,-92.81044&spn=0.091172,0.32135&z=12&om=1
