International Falls in Koochiching County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Alexander Baker
The Founding Father of International Falls
| | 1827-1899 | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2024
1. Alexander Baker Marker
Born 1827, in Scotland. Alexander Baker came to the United States at the age of 23. After serving in the Civil War, he paddled into the borderland in 1870 while on a prospecting expedition. Baker squatted on a tract of land that included all of the paper mill site and much of International Falls. After obtaining title to this tract, he sold it to H.W. Winchell in 1892 for $6,000, retaining a small tract for his home called "Baker's Acre". Alexander Baker died on September 4, 1899.
The First Settlers
For thousands of years, Rainy River and Rainy Lake have been the home of Aboriginal peoples of various woodland tribes. From prehistoric Paleo indians to the present Ojibwe, groups have lived, hunted, fished, and buried their ancestors along both sides of the waterways without hindrance.
The Fur Trade
From the mid 1600's until the early 1900's, the trade in furs dominated the area. The Northwest Company Trading Post in Fort Frances was a secondary transshipment center, which was responsible for local trade, and for providing the trade goods and the collection of furs for the entire Athabasca Region. The Hudson Bay Company replaced the Northwest Company in 1821, and served the local area until well into the 20th century.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities
this page online
Location. 48° 36.109′ N, 93° 24.122′ W. Marker is in International Falls, Minnesota, in Koochiching County. It is at the intersection of 2nd Avenue (U.S. 53) and 4th Street (State Highway 11), on the left when traveling south on 2nd Avenue. The marker is mounted on the southwest side of the interpretive kiosk at the northeast corner of the intersection, near the tall Minnesota Welcomes You sign. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: International Falls MN 56649, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Minnesota’s Northland. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, 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 Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Village of Koochiching & International Falls (here, next to this marker); International Falls Passenger Rail (here, next to this marker); Steamboats on the Rainy River / Welcome to Minnesota (within shouting distance of this marker); Route of the Voyageurs (approx. 0.3 miles away); Welcome to Smokey Bear Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bronko Nagurski (approx. 0.3 miles away); International Border (approx.
2. Marker detail: Alexander Baker
Also see . . . Early History of International Falls.
Excerpt: For many years the travelers between Winnipeg and Lake Superior over what was known as the Dawson Route had noted the wonderful water falls here, but to Alexander Baker, a sturdy Scotchman, belonged the honor of paving the way to the development of their power by entering the government land adjoining them on the American side. To him goes the credit for starting the settlement that became International Falls. It was in 1870 the Alexander Baker, prospector, paddled into this area. The land at that time had not been surveyed and Baker waited more than 10 years before he gained his homestead title.(Submitted on August 16, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Marker detail: Koochiching Falls
Koochiching Falls before construction of the dam, with International Falls the City of Destiny in the background.
4. Marker detail: Koochiching Falls American Side
Koochiching Falls from the American side. This waterpower resource allowed E.W. Backus to capture and distribute electric power to his mills and the surrounding communities.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2024
5. Alexander Baker Marker
Looking northeast; the marker is mounted on the southwest side of the interpretive kiosk. The tall Minnesota Welcomes You sign is in the left background.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 346 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 16, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
