Saint Anthony Main in Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Ard Godfrey House
Built in 1848, the Ard Godfrey House is the earliest frame house still standing in Minneapolis. An example of Greek Revival architecture, it originally occupied a site in the vicinity of Main and Second Streets Southeast.
Ard Godfrey, a millwright, moved here from Maine in 1847 to build a sawmill at St. Anthony Falls, the only major falls on the Mississippi River waterway. More than 125 years ago this house became a popular meeting place for citizens of the area and for visitors. Godfrey, a prominent figure in community life, became the first postmaster of the Village of St. Anthony in 1851.
The Ard Godfrey House is owned by the Minneapolis Park Board. Its restoration has been administered by the Woman's Club of Minneapolis with the help of the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and the Minnesota Historical Society. Some of the furnishings are on loan from the Hennepin County Historical Society.
1979
Erected 1979 by the Woman's Club of Minneapolis.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels • Women. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 44° 59.204′ N, 93° 15.322′ W. Marker is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It is in Saint Anthony Main. Marker is at the intersection of University Avenue Southeast (State Highway 47) and Central Avenue Southeast (State Highway 65) on University Avenue Southeast. Marker is in Richard Chute Square Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 28 University Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis MN 55414, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Richard Chute Square (within shouting distance of this marker); In commemoration of the courageous French explorers (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Whirlpool (approx. 0.2 miles away); Main Street Builds (approx. 0.2 miles away); Symbols on the Skyline (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eliza Winston (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Falls That Built the City (approx. 0.2 miles away); Follow the Water: Part 1 - Intake and Tunnel (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minneapolis.
Also see . . . Ard Godfrey House. National Park Service website entry:
Harriet Godfrey is credited with bringing dandelions to Minnesota. (Submitted on November 10, 2010.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,146 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.