Inver Grove Heights in Dakota County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Christian Farm
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 4, 2022
1. The Christian Farm Marker
In 1930 Theodore Christian married Velva Moore and purchased 91 acres of land, 71 of which are now Rich Valley Park. The Christians farmed this land for 52 years and raised four children, two of whom built homes on the farm.
The residence and dairy cattle grazing land lies west of Rich Valley Park. Milk was shipped to St. Paul daily. On the park land itself corn and hay were raised to feed the cattle and potatoes were sold at the St. Paul Farmers Market.
Theodore, an active member of the District 9 School Board, was instrumental in persuading the W.P.A. to construct a new school building in 1936, located on the southwest corner of the park. The original school building was moved near the residence and converted to a 3-car garage.
This park is intended for your enjoyment as a continuation of the Christian family tradition.
Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation Dept.
Erected 1992 by Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation Department.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers.
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Location. 44° 47.866′ N, 93° 4.244′ W. Marker is in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, in Dakota County. It can be reached from 105th Street East just east of Rich Valley Boulevard (County Highway 71), on the left when traveling east. The marker is near Rich Valley Park Play Area parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Inver Grove Heights MN 55077, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: B-52 Crash Site (approx. 1.9 miles away); Inver Grove Heights Veterans Memorial
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 4, 2022
2. The Christian Farm Marker
Looking west; the Rich Valley Park Play Area is in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
