Faribault in Rice County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Alexander Faribault
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 3, 2022
1. Alexander Faribault Marker (left panel)
Alexander Faribault, namesake of this community, epitomized cultural coexistence. As the child of a French-Canadian father and a half-Dakota mother, Alex saw the value of multiculturalism and respect across religious lines. At a time when this ideal was rare, Alex dreamed of a community where all nationalities and religions could live side by side.
The community Alexander built further exemplified these values: indigenous Dakota, American settlers, Nordic refugees, and the German, Irish, and French-Canadian immigrants all called this city home. Diversity, understanding, and tolerance often come with conflict. Alex lost his home, his wealth, his family, his reputation, his life, all in the pursuit of this dream: a thriving community built on coexistence, located where the Straight and Cannon Rivers meet.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 44° 17.479′ N, 93° 16.11′ W. Marker is in Faribault, Minnesota, in Rice County. It is at the intersection of Central Avenue North and 1st Street Northwest, on the left when traveling north on Central Avenue North. Marker is mounted on a bench at the southwest corner of the intersection.
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Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Minnesota. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. 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, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Famous People of Faribault (here, next to this marker); Community CO-OP (a few steps from this marker); Pirkl Implement (within shouting distance of this marker); A Teacher Named Harriet Tucker (within shouting distance of this marker); Tilt-A-Whirl (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Faribault: Home of the Tilt-A-Whirl (about 400 feet away); Bishop Whipple & St. Mary's School for Girls (about 400 feet away); Faribault's Talented Artisans (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Faribault.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Alexander Faribault House (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Alexander Faribault
Also see . . .
1. Alexander Faribault. Wikipedia entry:
Alexander Faribault married Mary Elizabeth Graham in 1825. Mary was a member of another prominent French-Dakota family. This helped contribute to Faribault's successful business enterprises. He owned a trading post and in 1851 served in the Minnesota Territorial House of Representatives.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 3, 2022
2. Alexander Faribault Marker (right panel)
2. Alexander Faribault. Vimeo video (21m 46s):
Join Logan Ledman and Samuel Temple as they search for Alexander Faribault's story in the first episode of "1855".(Submitted on December 9, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Alexander Faribault. Find A Grave website entry:
One of the most significant things Alexander Faribault did before founding his town in 1855 was to work with the government and the Dakota in establishing land treaties. The government trusted Alexander and other mixed-blood interpreters because they spoke English and often dressed like other whites. The Dakota trusted them because they spoke their language and because they considered them part of their family.(Submitted on December 8, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 3, 2022
3. Marker detail: Alexander Faribault • "Fathers of Faribault"
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 3, 2022
4. Alexander Faribault Bench
Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 402 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 8, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
