Twin Cities Property Finder · David Olson, Broker · MN #BK3603584 · Whitefish Property Finder · MN #40646463 · Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida
The beautiful town of Stillwater is located on the St. Croix river in the St.
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 Stillwater began
Croix River Valley and is known as the Birthplace of Minnesota. The early days of Stillwater were uncertain and uneasy as the land was fought over for many years. The coveted land transitioned from being part of Wisconsin territory to being included in Washington county in 1938. All the while, lumbering interests drew many to the area and white settlers took up residence in Stillwater. One former soldier, Indian trader, Justice of the Peace and promoter, Joseph Renshaw Brown had been in the area since 1820. He had set up a store and farm at Grey Cloud Island and kept a warehouse at the head of Lake St. Croix to supply upriver fur trading operations. This warehouse, which was located where North Stillwater stands today, grew into a small village that he called “Dacotah”. In 1840 the first ferry was licensed to operate across the St. Croix.
In 1841, Joseph Brown’s family traveled from Chicago to join him in his new village. Homes were built along with a courthouse, jail, and eventually a sawmill. After much research and negotiations, Jacob Fisher, John McKusick, and Elam Greeley formed the Stillwater Lumber Company and Stillwater became a Lumber Town. McKusick is actually credited with naming Stillwater because of his fondness of Stillwater, Maine, which was close to his hometown, as well as the still waters of the St. Croix.
The mill was the first building erected in Stillwater, and when word of this new Lumber Town got out, more settlers flooded the area. The John Allen family and the Northrup family were among the first to settle in the area. Anson Northrup claimed everything south of the mill. The building of the mill was followed by McKusick’s boarding house, company store, blacksmith shop, and eventually Northrup erected a hotel. Within a short time, he sold this hotel and built the Cosmopolitan Hotel closer to the mill. Reverend William T. Boutwell, having traveled the St. Croix River Valley to give sermons, eventually settled in Stillwater during this time and became one of the founders of the First Presbyterian Church. The mill was so prosperous that most of the settlers in Dacotah moved south to Stillwater. Stillwater became the new seat in St. Croix County in 1846, and continued to draw settlers to the growing area.
Eventually, in 1848, Wisconsin became a state which left all of the lands west of the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers without government. So Joseph Brown gathered settlers in this region and formed the Stillwater Convention to draft a Memorial to send to congress suggesting that this new territory be created and called “Minnesota.” Henry Sibley delivered this petition to congress and helped speed the process along, and the Minnesota Territory was officially organized in March of 1849. This, after all, is why Stillwater is referred to as the birthplace of Minnesota. On March 4, 1854, John McKusick was elected Mayor of Stillwater and Stillwater was incorporated as a city.
A simple plan for your Stillwater 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 Stillwater
Stillwater 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 Stillwater.
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