Sam Brown Memorial State Wayside facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Fort Wadsworth Agency and Scout Headquarters Building
|
|
The Fort Wadsworth Agency and Scout Headquarters Building from the west
|
|
 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 796 W. Broadway Avenue, Browns Valley, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1864 |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001672 |
| Designated | July 17, 1986 |
The Sam Brown Memorial State Wayside is a special historical park located in Browns Valley, Minnesota. It was created in 1929 to honor a brave frontiersman named Sam Brown (1845–1925). The park features a very old log building that has a fascinating history.
This building was first built in 1864 at Fort Wadsworth in what is now South Dakota. Later, it was moved to Browns Valley by Joseph R. Brown, who was Sam's father and the town's founder. The Brown family used this building as their home and for their business. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its importance to history, architecture, and how the area was settled.
Contents
Sam Brown: A True Frontier Hero
Sam Brown was a remarkable person who lived on the American frontier. He is remembered for an incredibly brave act that saved many lives. This event happened on April 19, 1866.
Sam's Dangerous Ride
On that day, Sam Brown heard about a possible attack by Native Americans. He knew he had to warn other settlers quickly. Sam rode an amazing 55 miles (89 km) to deliver his urgent message.
However, the threat turned out to be false. Sam then had to ride back through a terrible spring blizzard. He wanted to stop his message from reaching the U.S. Army, as it was no longer needed.
A Lasting Sacrifice
During his ride back, Sam suffered serious injuries because of the harsh weather. These injuries were so severe that they left him unable to walk. For the rest of his life, Sam Brown used a wheelchair. His bravery and sacrifice are why this park is named in his honor.
The Historic Log Building
The log building at Sam Brown Memorial State Wayside has its own long and interesting story. It is much older than the park itself.
From Fort to Home
The building was originally constructed in 1864. It served as part of Fort Wadsworth, a military post. This fort was located in what is now South Dakota.
Later, the building was carefully moved to Browns Valley. Joseph R. Brown, Sam's father, was responsible for bringing it to the town he founded. The Brown family then used this sturdy log structure as their home and a place for their business activities.
A Special Way It Was Built
This log building is special because of how it was made. It uses a unique method called "post-and-plank" construction. This means that instead of just stacking logs, planks are fitted into grooves in vertical posts. This made the building very strong and durable.
Why This Place Is Important
The Fort Wadsworth Agency and Scout Headquarters Building, as it's officially known, is very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This listing means it has special historical value.
What Makes It Significant
There are several reasons why this building is so important:
- It is the only surviving log building from the original Fort Wadsworth. This makes it a rare piece of history.
- It is directly connected to the famous frontier figures, Sam Brown and his father, Joseph R. Brown. Their lives and work are part of its story.
- It is a great example of the post-and-plank construction method. This shows how people built structures in the past.
This park and its historic building help us remember the challenges and brave people who lived on the American frontier.
