Twin Cities Property Finder · David Olson, Broker · MN #BK3603584 · Whitefish Property Finder · MN #40646463 · Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida
In 1851, the area of Carver County was opened up to settlers through the Mendota Treaty. The rivers and lake provided the best places for locals to live, as they served as arteries that allowed access to other towns.
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 Watertown began
The area of Watertown was almost entirely wooded. In 1856, a small group of settlers found an open area in the middle of the woods, and set up town. They named their small community “Rapid Waters”. This name came from the Dakota Indian name for the area. Indians from the Dakota Tribe were the only inhabitants before the Europeans. In 1858 the name changed to “Watertown” when the locals found out another town nearby had a very similar name as their own.
Within the same year of being first discovered, a road was built that went between Minneapolis and Watertown. This allowed more families access to the area because word was being spread of the town’s amazing soil. After only one year, the start-up businesses in the town went bankrupt, and everyone relied upon establishing farmland. However, it took several years for there to be enough land to farm. The locals cut down tree after tree in order to create the space they needed. Therefore, the first few years, the only way to get food in the town would be to hunt game or fish in the rivers. Soon, farmland littered the area.
The town built a small general store on the west side of the river in the spring of 1857, and a post office was also established. These were the only two businesses that were successful for the first several years of the town’s history. In 1858, Watertown’s first schoolhouse was built. It was nothing fancy, but it provided the local kids with an education.
How it grew
By the time of the Civil War, many men joined the Union Army. However, many were not paid what they were promised at the end of their first year of service, which caused no one else in the town to volunteer thereafter.
Watertown experienced more hardship in the 1870’s, when a railroad that was supposed to pass through the city was rerouted. This was meant to be the future for the town, as they had no other way to export their goods to be sold in other areas. As a result, more businesses fell apart. The city was able to survive the challenges, and on February 26, 1877, Watertown was incorporated as an official town.
The town experienced consistent growth through the 1900’s. The city was able to finally trade when the railroad that was promised reached the city in 1915. Since then, they have been able to develop and flourish.
A simple plan for your Watertown 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 Watertown
Watertown 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 Watertown.
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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