Downtown West in Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Barrel-Makers' Co-ops
| | Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Trail | |
Photographed by Keith L, April 29, 2011
1. The Barrel-Makers' Co-ops Marker
The red brick building at the corner of Third Avenue and First Street was one of many factories that supplied the barrels used for flour. Called coopers, the skilled workers who made barrels pioneered a new role for labor in Minneapolis. When their wages were cut in 1874 and a strike was broken, some of them formed a co-op. The idea spread, and by 1886 two-thirds of the coopers at the falls belonged to shops owned and managed by the workers. They prospered until flour sacks replaced barrels after 1900.
Erected by the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 44° 58.927′ N, 93° 15.675′ W. Marker is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It is in Downtown West. It is on West River Parkway Ό mile 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: The Washburn and Pillsbury Clans (within shouting distance of this marker); A Little Railroad with a Long History (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct
this page online
Also see . . . Third Avenue Bridge. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on July 11, 2011.)
Photographed by Keith L, April 29, 2011
2. The Barrel-Makers' Co-ops Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,145 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 11, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
