Twin Cities Property Finder · David Olson, Broker · MN #BK3603584 · Whitefish Property Finder · MN #40646463 · Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida
The Sioux people were the earliest inhabitants of southern Minnesota, including the present day City of Lakeville.
Knowing a community’s story helps you understand its neighborhoods today. Here’s a short history.
Here’s an honest look, whether you’re selling or buying.
How Lakeville began
In 1853, Captain William B. Dodd designed and directed the construction of a road that served as a practical land route connecting the military forts in Saint Paul to southern forts. In the year 1855, J.J. Brackett, a Saint Paul lumber baron and mail carrier who was using this road, decided to plat a site halfway between Saint Paul and Saint Peter on a lake he named Prairie Lake. The village was established in 1858 as Lakeville Township.
When the Hastings and Dakota Railroad line construction was completed in 1869, railroad officials bought 20 acres of land a half a mile east of Lakeville to build a depot. The area was named Fairfield and it wasn’t long before businesses flocked to the new town site. It took 9 years for business owners and residents to change the name of the town to the Village of Lakeville, which is the current day location of downtown Lakeville. Agricultural was the main industry with several grain mills and creameries in the town. The population of the town at the turn of the 20th century was 373.
Because of its rural landscape, early settlers to the area were mostly Scandinavians farmers. Other settlers included groups of Irish, English, and Scots who spread out from Hamilton Landing and Burnsville. From 1840 to 1895, Danes reportedly outnumbered Norwegians and it was common for residents to travel to Minneapolis. One of the staples of the rural township was the Enngren’s Grocery, which opened in 1906.
How it grew
In 1910, Colonel Marion Savage expanded his entertainment business into constructing Antlers Amusement Park in the township of Lakeville. Antler Amusement Park experienced great success for both Colonel Savage and Lakeville. The lake was renamed Lake Marion and the rail servicing the park was named the Dan Patch Railroad Line.
Much like other outer-ring suburbs of the Twin cities in the late 20th century, Lakeville township was officially incorporated as the City of Lakeville in 1967. The city’s agricultural industry continued to be its main source of revenue as postwar development did not immediately absorb the city. However, in the early 21st century Lakeville became a boom town with housing and populating increases due to rising land costs in the metropolitan area.
A simple plan for your Lakeville move
I’ve been helping people sell and buy homes across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida for about two decades, and I build and remodel luxury homes too. I’ll help you see both what a property is and what it could be.
Getting the house ready, or making it yours
If you’re selling and want repairs handled before buyers see them, Super Crew Contractors can give you an estimate. If you’re ready for something custom, Ivy Lane Homes does luxury home building and remodeling. And a quick coverage check with Intrinsic Insurance before closing can save you a surprise. Ready to talk? Start a buyer plan or ask what your home is worth.
Super Crew Contractors, Ivy Lane Homes and Intrinsic Insurance are owned by David Olson; you are free to use any contractor, builder or insurer.
Your next step in Lakeville
Lakeville homes are priced neighborhood by neighborhood. Whether you’re selling or buying, I’ll help you make a plan that fits.
Please note: I don’t handle rentals or property management. I work with sellers and buyers, and that’s where I can help you most in Lakeville.
Stay close to the market, without the noise.
Every so often I send a short, practical note: what Twin Cities homes did, prep tips that are worth the money, and neighborhoods worth a look.
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