On this date in 1849, the Minnesota Historical Society is incorporated by an act of the territorial legislature, and Alexander Ramsey is elected its first president. Created almost a decade before statehood, the MNHS is the oldest institution in the state and is actually named in the Minnesota Constitution.
General
1884-10-15
On this date in 1884, James Thompson, St. Paul’s first black resident, dies in Nebraska. Born in Virginia around 1799, Thompson grew up as a slave in the household of George Monroe, the nephew of President James Monroe.
1972-10-06
On this date in 1972, James Griffin becomes the first African American deputy chief of the St. Paul Police Department. Born in 1917 and raised in the city’s Rondo neighborhood, Griffin was also the first black St. Paul police officer to reach the ranks of sergeant and captain as well.
1847-10-02
On this date in 1843, the Board of Commissioner’s of St. Croix County, Wisconsin, grants a license to Henry Jackson “to keep a tavern for one year…at St. Paul’s.” The license cost ten dollars. Jackson’s tavern and store were located on the Mississippi River at the foot of the street that now bears his name.
1869-10-04
On this date in 1869 a tunnel underneath Hennepin and Nicollet Islands on the Mississippi River providing waterpower for milling operations collapsed. The 2,000 foot long breach sent rushing waters into Hennepin Island and threatened to destroy St. Anthony Falls.
