Downtown West in Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The House of John H. Stevens
| | Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Trail | |
Photographed by Keith L, April 29, 2011
1. The House of John H. Stevens Marker
The US Post Office stands on the site of the first permanent dwelling in what is now Minneapolis. The land was part of the Fort Snelling Military Reservation in 1849, but the army allowed John H. Stevens to build a house in return for operating a ferry above the falls.
For a time, John Stevens and his wife, Frances Helen, had no white neighbors, but they recalled often walking to find Indians camping nearby on their way to sell food and buy goods in the shops of St. Anthony across the river. In 1896 the Stevens house was removed to Minnehaha Park, where it still stands.
Erected by the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.
Location. 44° 59.054′ N, 93° 15.829′ W. Marker is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It is in Downtown West. It is on West River Parkway 0.4 miles west of Portland Avenue South, on the right when traveling west. Marker is along a walking path next to the Mississippi River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Minneapolis MN 55401, 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 walking distance of this marker: Stevens House (a few steps from this marker); Bridging the Stream (within shouting distance of
this page online
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. John Harrington Stevens House at Minnehaha Park.
Also see . . .
1. John H. Stevens House. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website entry (Submitted on June 2, 2011.)
2. John Harrington Stevens House. Wikipedia entry:
Links to National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form for Minnehaha State Park (Submitted on February 23, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Keith L, April 29, 2011
2. Marker and the Mississippi River
Photographed by Keith L, April 29, 2011
3. US Post Office
[100 South 1st Street]
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 972 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 2, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
