Anoka in Anoka County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Robert W. Akin
Akin Riverside Historic Promenade
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, October 24, 2013
1. Robert W. Akin Marker
Robert W. Akin (1871-1920) came to Anoka in 1898 and began working as a cashier in the State Bank. His property a few blocks south of Main Street on the east bank of the Rum River was said to be one of the "most picturesque sites in the city". Mr. Akin raised fruit on his property, but his main interest was banking. He became the president of the Anoka State Bank and devoted much of his time to public affairs. He served on the school board for twelve years, sat on the city council of Anoka for a year, and held the offices of Mayor for three terms.
Mr. Akin knew the community needed space for its citizens to relax, so he donated some of his land and sold other portions of it to the City of Anoka to become a park. The deed stipulated that the city purchase additional land to create a system of parks in Anoka. Part of the land Riverside Park resides on is land that once belonged to R.W. Akin. His vision of a system of parks in the city has been fulfilled.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.
Location. 45° 11.847′ N, 93° 23.491′ W. Marker is in Anoka, Minnesota, in Anoka County.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Stone House (here, next to this marker); Father Louis Hennepin's Exploration in 1680 (within shouting distance of this marker); Perseverance Needed (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Windego Park Auditorium (about 500 feet away); The Gathering Place (about 600 feet away); Why Settle Here? / Time to Play (about 600 feet away); Main Street Bridge (about 600 feet away); Lincoln Flour Mill (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anoka.
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, October 24, 2013
2. The Stone House / Robert W. Akin Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2020, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 574 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
