Near Stillwater in Washington County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
St. Croix Boom Site
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 7, 2014
1. St. Croix Boom Site Marker
Center of log and lumbering activities in this region for over half a century prior to 1914.
Here millions of logs from the upper St. Croix and tributaries were halted, sorted, and rafted, later to be sawed into lumber and timber products. More logs were handled here than at any similar place in this section.
2011 Replica of Original Plaque
{Lower plaque}
This replica plaque has been made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund administered by the Minnesota Historical Society.
Erected 1937 by the National Youth Administration. (Marker Number WA-SWT-004.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. 45° 5.056′ N, 92° 47.207′ W. Marker is near Stillwater, Minnesota, in Washington County. Marker is on Saint Croix Trail (State Highway
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Life at the Boom (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Controlling A River Of Logs (about 400 feet away); Geology of Minnesota (approx. 0.3 miles away); Tamarack House (approx. 1.3 miles away); Indian Battleground (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Warden's House (approx. 1.9 miles away); St. Croix Lumber Mills / Stillwater Manufacturing Company (approx. 2 miles away); 1965 Easter Sunday Floodwater Crest (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stillwater.
More about this marker. The 1937 St. Croix Boom Site metal plaque was missing since 2008. The smaller 1966 National Historic Landmark plaque – which was there in 2008 – was also missing. They were replaced/restored by 2014.
Seals of the State of Minnesota Department of Highways and The Minnesota Historical Society are on the plaque.
Also see . . .
1. Minnesota Department of Transportation. Historic Roadside Development Structures Inventory. "It is possible that the stone for the wayside rest was salvaged from the buildings of the Minnesota Territorial/State Prison in Stillwater." (Submitted on July 17, 2011.)
2. Saint Croix Boom Site. Historic Saint Croix River Structure. "Crews of men called ‘boom rats’ would watch for the log brand markings, then group together logs with the same brand. Once a large group of logs of the same brand were assembled, they would be formed into a raft and sent downstream
Photographed By Fitzie Heimdahl, April 7, 2020
2. St. Croix Boom Site Marker
3. St. Croix Boom Site. Wikipedia entry. "During the 1870s, logs were frequently backed up for 15 miles (25 km) above the boom during mid-summer." (Submitted on July 17, 2011.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 7, 2014
3. St. Croix Boom Site Marker
Photographed By Keith L, October 15, 2008
4. National Historic Landmark Plaque
St. Croix Boom Site has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark under the
provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935. This site possesses exceptional
value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States. U.S. Department of
the Interior, National Park Service, 1966
Photographed By Keith L, June 11, 2011
5. St. Croix Boom Site Marker
Photographed By Keith L, June 11, 2011
6. St. Croix Boom Site and Marker
Photographed By Keith L, June 11, 2011
7. St. Croix Boom Site
National Register of Historic Places #66000407
Photographed By Keith L, June 11, 2011
8. Missing St. Croix Boom Site Marker (now replaced).
Photographed By Keith L, June 11, 2011
9. Nearby Sign
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 7, 2014
10. St. Croix Boom Site Replica Marker Sponsor
Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 958 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 6, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on April 7, 2020, by Fitzie Heimdahl of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on November 6, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on July 17, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 10. submitted on November 6, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
