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 old house in Faribault, Minnesota, United States. It was built way back in 1853. This house was the very first one made of wood in all of Rice County, Minnesota.
A fur trader named Alexander Faribault built it. He designed it in a style called Greek Revival. This means it looks a bit like ancient Greek temples. The house was not just a home. It was also a community hub, a place where people voted, and even a church. You can find it at 12 First Avenue in Faribault. In 1970, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important historical places in the United States.
Contents
Who Was Alexander Faribault?
Alexander Faribault was an important person in Minnesota's early history. His father was Jean Baptiste Faribault. Alexander worked for a time as a secretary for Henry Hastings Sibley, another famous person from that era.
Faribault's Trading Post
In 1835, Alexander Faribault started his own trading business. He set it up where the Straight River and the Cannon River meet. This spot was perfect for trading.
Friend to the Dakota People
Alexander 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 the Dakota War of 1862.
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, a kitchen, and a sewing room.
Alexander's Businesses and Gifts
Alexander made money from trading and from land claims. He also owned a sawmill and a flour mill. These businesses helped him become wealthy. He was very generous with his money. He gave $3,000 to Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple for a church and for Shattuck School. He also gave land for the Seabury Divinity School.
Public Service
Alexander Faribault also served in the Minnesota Territorial Legislature. This was like being a lawmaker for the area before Minnesota became a state. He remained friends with important figures like Henry Mower Rice and Henry Hastings Sibley.
See also
