John Harrington Stevens House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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John Harrington Stevens House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Stevens' house, now located in Minnehaha Park
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1849 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Part of | Minnehaha Historic District (ID69000369) |
| Designated CP | November 25, 1969 |
The John Harrington Stevens House is a very old and important building in Minnesota, United States. It is named after John H. Stevens, who was the first person allowed to build a house on the west side of the Mississippi River. This area later became the city of Minneapolis. The house is the second oldest wooden house still standing in Minneapolis. It is part of the Minnehaha Historic District and is looked after by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Sadly, the house was badly damaged by fires in 2022.
Contents
The Stevens House: A Minneapolis Landmark
Early Days and "Ferry Farm"
The Stevens House was built in 1850 near Saint Anthony Falls. The same builder also constructed the Ard Godfrey house, which is even older. John Stevens received special permission to build his home on land controlled by Fort Snelling. In return, he had to provide ferry service across the river. This is why his home was sometimes called "ferry farm."
John and his wife, Frances Helen, were the only white settlers in the area at first. However, Native people were often seen nearby. In 1851, after the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux, Stevens claimed 160 acres of land along the west bank of the river. This land stretched from Bassett's Creek to 2nd Avenue South. His claim, along with others, was officially granted in 1855.
"Birthplace of Minneapolis"
The Stevens home quickly became a busy center for community events. It was known as the "birthplace of Minneapolis." Many important decisions were made there. For example, the name Minneapolis was chosen in this house. Also, Hennepin County and the Minneapolis school district were started there. The idea for a state fair also began in the Stevens' home.
When John Stevens sold his house in the early 1860s, the area around it grew very quickly. Many new buildings appeared in what was called the Gateway Residential District. This area was later replaced by railroad tracks.
Moving a Historic Home
The Stevens House has been moved several times. In 1872, it was moved to an area near 1st Avenue South and 1st Street. Then, in 1881, it was moved again to 16th Avenue South.
In 1896, people realized how important the house was to history. Thousands of school children, working in groups, helped move the house to Minnehaha Park. Ten horses also helped pull the house. This was a huge effort! In 1982, the house was moved one last time to its current spot within Minnehaha Park.
The Stevens House is part of the Minnehaha Historic District. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. For many years, the house was a museum where visitors could take tours on summer weekends. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board now manages the house. In 2022, news reports mentioned that the house needed repairs.
Fires in 2022
Sadly, the Stevens House was damaged by three fires in 2022. A fire on August 30 caused a lot of damage to the back of the building. However, experts believed it could be rebuilt. Another fire on September 20 affected part of the outside of the house.
Work had just begun to fix the house when another fire happened on October 1. This fire burned parts of the first and second floors, as well as part of the roof.
Gallery
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John H. Stevens statue, located at Minnehaha Park
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A very old photo of the house from 1855
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A plaque showing where the Stevens' house was located before
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The Stevens house being moved in 1896 by school kids (Minnesota Historical Society)
