Alexander Faribault House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Alexander Faribault House
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The Alexander Faribault House from the east
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 12 1st Avenue NE Faribault, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1853 |
| Architect | Alexander Faribault |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000309 |
| Added to NRHP | September 22, 1970 |
The Alexander Faribault House is a special historic building in Faribault, Minnesota, United States. It was built in 1853. This house was the very first wooden house ever built in Rice County, Minnesota. A fur trader named Alexander Faribault built it in a style called Greek Revival.
This house was more than just a home. It also served as a community center. People used it as a place to vote and even as a church. You can find the house at 12 First Avenue in Faribault, Minnesota. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 because of its important history.
Contents
Who Was Alexander Faribault?
Alexander Faribault was the son of Jean Baptiste Faribault. He was a well-known person during his time. For a while, he worked as a secretary for Henry Hastings Sibley, who was also an important figure.
Starting a Trading Business
In 1835, Alexander Faribault started his own trading business. He set it up where the Straight River and the Cannon River meet. This was a good spot for trading.
Faribault and the Dakota People
Alexander Faribault had a lot of respect for the Dakota Native Americans he traded with. They also respected him. He even helped protect friendly Dakota people during a difficult time in 1862.
Building a Grand Home
In 1853, Alexander built his large wooden house. It showed how successful he was. The house had nine bedrooms, a music room, and a parlor. It also had a sitting room, an office, and two kitchens. There was even a special sewing room.
Faribault's Wealth and Generosity
Alexander Faribault earned his money in several ways. Part of his wealth came from special payments related to the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux. He also owned a sawmill and a flour mill. These businesses helped him earn a good living.
He was also very generous to his community. He gave $3,000 to Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple. This money helped build a church and supported the Shattuck School. He also gave land for the Seabury Divinity School.
Public Service
Alexander Faribault was involved in politics too. He served as a representative in the Minnesota Territorial Legislature. He remained friends with Henry Mower Rice and Henry Hastings Sibley.
See also
