COL. JOHN H. STEVENS

Col. John H. Stevens (June 13, 1820 – May 28, 1900) had the distinction of being the first person authorized to live west of the Mississippi River in the area that would eventually become Minneapolis.  At the time this area was part of the Fort Snelling reservation, and Stevens was only granted this privilege in exchange for him providing ferry service across the river to St. Anthony.

Born in Quebec, Canada, Stevens would eventually earn the rank of Colonel in the United States Army and served in the Mexican-American war.  He also spent time in the Minnesota Legislature in the House of Representative (1857-1858), and Senate (1859-1860).  

Steven’s home was consider to be the civic and social center of the city, and it was there that both the city of Minneapolis and Hennepin County were organized.  The house was moved several times before finding it’s current home in Minnihaha Park.  Tours of the house are offered on weekends during the summer.

***Where was your city founded?