Justus Ramsey Stone House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Justus Ramsey Stone House
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The Justus Ramsey Stone House in 2017
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 252 7th Street West, Saint Paul, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1855–57 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001014 |
| Added to NRHP | May 6, 1975 |
The Justus Ramsey Stone House is the oldest known house still standing in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This historic house is located at 252 West 7th Street. It is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house shows what a home looked like for a well-off settler in early Saint Paul.
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Who Was Justus Ramsey?
Justus Cornelius Ramsey was born in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. He first learned how to be a printer. Later, he worked as a surveyor for the Pennsylvania Railroad.
In 1849, Justus Ramsey moved to Saint Paul. There, he started a grocery business. He also worked with real estate, buying and selling land.
Ramsey's Family and Public Service
Justus Ramsey was the younger brother of Alexander Ramsey. Alexander was the very first governor of Minnesota Territory.
In 1850, Justus Ramsey was elected to the Minnesota Territorial Legislature. He served in this government role for three terms. He also held other important government jobs. One of his duties was to deliver treaty payments to the Dakota people.
About the Historic Stone House
In 1849, Justus Ramsey and two other men, Henry Hastings Sibley and Henry M. Rice, bought a large piece of land. They paid $60.00 for 35 acres (about 14 hectares).
Building the House
The land was divided into smaller lots in 1850. Justus Ramsey kept the lot where the stone house now stands. It is believed that he lived in the house when it was first built.
The house was made with strong walls. These walls are 2 feet thick and built from light gray limestone. They used lime mortar to hold the stones together.
What Happened to the House?
Around 1859, Ramsey no longer owned the house. After that, it was used as a barber shop. It also served as a home for other families.
Justus Ramsey passed away in 1881. He left behind a large amount of money.
