John H. Stevens House (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

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The John H. Stevens Interpretive House MuseumHouse, built in 1849 near St. Anthony Falls, has the distinction of being the first wood frame dwelling built west of the Mississippi. It was in this house that the name 'Minneapolis' was suggested and the government structure for Hennepin County established.

Completed in 1850 beside the Falls of St. Anthony, the Stevens House served as the civic and social center for the new settlement and became the site of many historic events. This house was the first perminent settlers home built west of the Mississippi River. Here citizens gathered to name the city and organize Hennepin County. The first state agricultural society, the first school district and the first singing school were established in this house. Church services, baptisms and marriages were held here. Federal judges presided over territorial courts in this house and Indian Chiefs Little Crow, Good Road, Shakopee and Hole-in-the-Day met in council. Here the city streets were platted, transportation was provided across the falls to St. Anthony and the development of water power was planned.

The house has been relocated twice since 1849. In 1896, over 10,000 school children helped pull the Stevens House from St. Anthony Falls to Minnehaha Park. In 1982, children once again helped move the house to its current location.

The John H. Stevens House is owned and maintained by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board but the programs, tours and general operations are provided and managed by a volunteer Community Board.

Source: www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=27...