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Coordinates: 45°3′N 92°49′W / 45.050°N 92.817°W / 45.050; -92.817
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{{Short description|City in Minnesota, United States}}
{{Short description|City in Minnesota, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name = Stillwater
| official_name = Stillwater
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| blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info = 2395969<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2395969}}</ref>
| blank1_info = 2395969<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2395969}}</ref>
| website = [http://www.ci.stillwater.mn.us www.ci.stillwater.mn.us]
| website = {{URL|http://ci.stillwater.mn.us}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
| unit_pref = Imperial
| unit_pref = Imperial
}}
}}


'''Stillwater''' is a city in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Minnesota]] and the [[county seat]] of [[Washington County, Minnesota|Washington County]]. It is in the [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul]] metropolitan area, on the west bank of the [[St. Croix River (Wisconsin-Minnesota)|St. Croix River]], across from [[Houlton, Wisconsin]]. Stillwater's population was 18,225 at the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]].<ref name="2010 Census">{{cite web|title=2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_PL_GCTPL2.ST13&prodType=table |work=American FactFinder |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census |access-date=23 April 2011 }}{{dead link|bot=medic|date=April 2020}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=2011-06-07 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> Stillwater is often called "the birthplace of Minnesota"<ref name=":1" /> due to its role in the establishment of the state.
'''Stillwater''' is a city in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Minnesota]] and the [[county seat]] of [[Washington County, Minnesota|Washington County]]. It is in the [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul]] metropolitan area, on the west bank of the [[St. Croix River (Wisconsin-Minnesota)|St. Croix River]], across from [[Houlton, Wisconsin]]. Stillwater's population was 19,394 at the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]].<ref name="2020-census-2762824">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census: Stillwater city, Minnesota |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US2762824&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P1 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=24 March 2023}}</ref><ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=2011-06-07 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> Stillwater is often called "the birthplace of Minnesota"<ref name=":1" /> due to its role in the establishment of the state.


==Geography==
==Geography==
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== Name ==
== Name ==
The name "Stillwater" was proposed in 1843 by John McKusick, who built its first sawmill and was later a state senator.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/minnesotageogra00uphagoog|page=[https://archive.org/details/minnesotageogra00uphagoog/page/n588 571]|title=Minnesota Geographic Names: Their Origin and Historic Significance|last=Upham|first=Warren|date=1920|publisher=Minnesota Historical Society|language=en}}</ref> The name derives from the calmness of the St. Croix River near the town center.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OspBAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA165|title=A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways|author=Chicago and North Western Railway Company|year=1908|page=165}}</ref> It is also believed that McKusick had fond memories of [[Old Town, Maine|Stillwater, Maine]].<ref name=":0" />
The name "Stillwater" was proposed in 1843 by John McKusick, who built the settlement's first sawmill. McKusick was later a state senator.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/minnesotageogra00uphagoog|page=[https://archive.org/details/minnesotageogra00uphagoog/page/n588 571]|title=Minnesota Geographic Names: Their Origin and Historic Significance|last=Upham|first=Warren|date=1920|publisher=Minnesota Historical Society|language=en}}</ref> The name derives from the St. Croix River's calmness near the town center.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OspBAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA165|title=A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways|author=Chicago and North Western Railway Company|year=1908|page=165}}</ref> It is also believed that McKusick had fond memories of [[Old Town, Maine|Stillwater, Maine]], where he had migrated from.<ref name=":0" />


Long before McKusick and company arrived in the early 1840s, the Dakota and Ojibwe had known the place by other names. The Dakota called it Hoġan Wanḳe Kin,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/dakota-spoken-here-mni-sotas-dakota-indian-heritage-topic-minnesota-book-award-winne/ |title=Dakota spoken here: Mni Sota's Dakota Indian heritage topic of Minnesota Book Award winner |website=www.tcdailyplanet.net/ |access-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref> a term that encompassed not only the St. Croix River but also Lake St. Croix and a large sandbar across from present-day [[Afton, Minnesota|Afton]]. The name, meaning "the place where the fish lies", derived from a legend in which a man was transformed into a giant fish (a catfish or a pike, depending on the version) and then into a sandbar.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wchsmn.org/afton/ |title=Afton--Washington County Historical Society |website=www.wchsmn.org/afton/ |access-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref> In English, Hoġan Wanḳe Kin has been variously rendered as Hogan-wahnkay-kin, Hogan-wauke-kin and Hogan-wan-kee.<ref name=":22">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/minnesotageogra00uphagoog|page=[https://content.wisconsinhistory.org/digital/collection/wch/id/70276]|title=History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota |last=Neill|first=Rev. Edward D|date=1881|publisher=North Star Publishing Company|language=en}}</ref>
Long before European Americans arrived, the area was occupied by various indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The [[Dakota people]] called it ''Hoġan Wanḳe Kin,''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/dakota-spoken-here-mni-sotas-dakota-indian-heritage-topic-minnesota-book-award-winne/ |title=Dakota spoken here: Mni Sota's Dakota Indian heritage topic of Minnesota Book Award winner |website=www.tcdailyplanet.net/ |access-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref> a term that encompassed not only the St. Croix River but also Lake St. Croix and a large sandbar across from present-day [[Afton, Minnesota|Afton]]. The name, meaning "the place where the fish lies", derived from a legend in which a man was transformed into a giant fish (a catfish or a pike, depending on the version) and then into a sandbar.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wchsmn.org/afton/ |title=Afton--Washington County Historical Society |website=www.wchsmn.org/afton/ |access-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref> In English, Hoġan Wanḳe Kin has been spelled variously as Hogan-wahnkay-kin, Hogan-wauke-kin and Hogan-wan-kee.<ref name=":22">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/minnesotageogra00uphagoog|page=[https://content.wisconsinhistory.org/digital/collection/wch/id/70276]|title=History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota |last=Neill|first=Rev. Edward D|date=1881|publisher=North Star Publishing Company|language=en}}</ref>


The Ojibwe name for the place was Giigoonzh-agomod, with the slightly different meaning of "where the fish floats".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bemidjistate.edu/airc/wp-content/uploads/sites/85/2016/03/onj-vol1-num2.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723153109/https://www.bemidjistate.edu/airc/wp-content/uploads/sites/85/2016/03/onj-vol1-num2.pdf |archive-date=2019-07-23 |url-status=live |title=Nookomis Gaa-Inaajimotawi: What My Grandmother Told Me," in Oshkaabewis Native Journal |website=www.bemidjistate.edu |access-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref> The Ojibwe origin legend is very similar, again involving a man transformed into a giant fish and found floating in the lake, with his ultimate transformation into "a piece of land crossing the lake there" (i.e., the sandbar). In English renderings, Giigo onh-zhagomod is harder to recognize, appearing as Kee-go-shagewa-minnie<ref>{{cite web |url=http://collections.mnhs.org/MNHistoryMagazine/articles/24/v24i03p195-206.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019084921/http://collections.mnhs.org/mnhistorymagazine/articles/24/v24i03p195-206.pdf |archive-date=2012-10-19 |url-status=live|title=How Stillwater Came to Be |website=www.mnhs.org/ |access-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref> and Kegan-Shaw-Ga-Nut, but the phonetic similarities are apparent.
The [[Ojibwe]] name for the place was ''Giigoonzh-agomod'', with the slightly different meaning of "where the fish floats".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bemidjistate.edu/airc/wp-content/uploads/sites/85/2016/03/onj-vol1-num2.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723153109/https://www.bemidjistate.edu/airc/wp-content/uploads/sites/85/2016/03/onj-vol1-num2.pdf |archive-date=2019-07-23 |url-status=live |title=Nookomis Gaa-Inaajimotawi: What My Grandmother Told Me," in Oshkaabewis Native Journal |website=www.bemidjistate.edu |access-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref> The Ojibwe origin legend is very similar, also involving a man transformed into a giant fish and found floating in the lake. He was ultimately transformed into "a piece of land crossing the lake there" (i.e., the sandbar). In English renderings, Giigo onh-zhagomod has been spelled as Kee-go-shagewa-minnie<ref>{{cite web |url=http://collections.mnhs.org/MNHistoryMagazine/articles/24/v24i03p195-206.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019084921/http://collections.mnhs.org/mnhistorymagazine/articles/24/v24i03p195-206.pdf |archive-date=2012-10-19 |url-status=live|title=How Stillwater Came to Be |website=www.mnhs.org/ |access-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref> and Kegan-Shaw-Ga-Nut.


==History==
==History==
[[File:Stillwater panoramic 1870.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|A panoramic sketch of Stillwater drawn by Albert Ruger in 1870.]]
[[File:Stillwater panoramic 1870.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|A panoramic sketch of Stillwater drawn by Albert Ruger in 1870.]]
In the 1830s, European Americans were pressing west into this territory. The [[Federal government of the United States|U.S. government]] tried to arrange for their settlement in Native American lands, and on July 29 and September 29, 1837, it signed treaties with the local Ojibwe and Dakota nations to allow such settlement in the St. Croix Valley.
On July 29 and September 29, 1837, treaties were signed between the [[Federal government of the United States|US government]] and the local [[Ojibwa]] and [[Sioux|Dakota]] nations that allowed settlement in the St. Croix Valley. The settlement was founded on October 26, 1843, when four partners formed the Stillwater Lumber Company.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Folsom |first=William H.C. |title=Fifty Years in the Northwest |publisher=Pioneer Press Company |year=1888 |pages=38–39}}</ref> Settlers were drawn by the area's then-abundant lumber and river traffic, making it one of Minnesota's oldest towns, preceding [[Minneapolis]] by several years. Stillwater was officially incorporated as a city on March 4, 1854 (the same day as [[St. Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul]]).{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}


The settlement was founded on October 26, 1843, when four partners formed the Stillwater Lumber Company.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Folsom |first=William H.C. |title=Fifty Years in the Northwest |publisher=Pioneer Press Company |year=1888 |pages=38–39}}</ref> Settlers were drawn by the area's abundant lumber and river traffic resulting from the industry. This was one of Minnesota's oldest towns, preceding [[Minneapolis]] by several years. Stillwater was officially incorporated as a city on March 4, 1854 (the same day as [[St. Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul]]).{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}
Stillwater is often referred to as the birthplace of Minnesota.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=http://collections.mnhs.org/MNHistoryMagazine/articles/55/v55i06p267-279.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222074032/http://collections.mnhs.org/MNHistoryMagazine/articles/55/v55i06p267-279.pdf |archive-date=2012-02-22 |url-status=live |title=The birth of Minnesota |date=1997 |website=mnhs.org |access-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref> In 1848, a territorial convention that began the process of establishing Minnesota as a state was held in Stillwater, at the corner of Myrtle and Main Streets. Minnesota officially became a territory in 1849 and a state in 1858.


Stillwater is often called the "birthplace of Minnesota".<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=http://collections.mnhs.org/MNHistoryMagazine/articles/55/v55i06p267-279.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222074032/http://collections.mnhs.org/MNHistoryMagazine/articles/55/v55i06p267-279.pdf |archive-date=2012-02-22 |url-status=live |title=The birth of Minnesota |date=1997 |website=mnhs.org |access-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref> In 1848, a territorial convention that began the process of establishing Minnesota as a state was held in Stillwater, at the corner of Myrtle and Main streets. Originally part of the Wisconsin Territory, Minnesota officially became a separate territory in 1849 and, after population increases, a state in 1858.
As more evidence of Stillwater's importance at the time, the convention selected three leading Minnesota cities as locations for three important public institutions: Minneapolis got the [[University of Minnesota]], [[St. Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]] became the capital, and Stillwater the site of the territory's first [[prison]]. The [[Minnesota Territorial Prison]] (later [[Minnesota State Prison]]) was opened in 1853. The prison held [[Cole Younger|Cole]], [[Jim Younger|Jim]], and [[Bob Younger]], three of the Younger brothers of the [[James–Younger Gang]]


As more evidence of Stillwater's importance at the time, the territorial convention selected three leading Minnesota cities as locations for three important public institutions: [[St. Paul, Minnesota|Saint Paul]] was designated as the capital; the [[University of Minnesota]] was established at Minneapolis; and Stillwater became the site of the territory's first [[prison]]. The [[Minnesota Territorial Prison]] (later [[Minnesota State Prison]]) was opened in 1853. The prison held [[Cole Younger|Cole]], [[Jim Younger|Jim]], and [[Bob Younger]], three of the Younger brothers of the [[James–Younger Gang]].
[[Lumbering]] was the predominant industry in the [[St. Croix River (Wisconsin-Minnesota)|St. Croix River Valley]] in the second half of the 19th century, and for many years logs were sent down the St. Croix, collected at the [[St. Croix Boom Site]] two miles upstream of Stillwater, and processed in Stillwater's many [[sawmill]]s. [[Steamboat]]s were used most widely from 1860 to 1890, and a few are still used for entertainment today.


[[Lumbering]] was the predominant industry in the [[St. Croix River (Wisconsin-Minnesota)|St. Croix River Valley]] in the second half of the 19th century. For many years, lumbermen sent large rafts of logs down the St. Croix. They were collected at the [[St. Croix Boom Site]] two miles upstream of Stillwater, and processed in Stillwater's many [[sawmill]]s. [[Steamboat]]s were used most widely on the river from 1860 to 1890. A few still operate as entertainment venues today.
David Swain operated a shipyard and engine works in Stillwater. Excursion steamboats, such as the ''Verne Swain'' and the ''Capitol'', appeared at the docks in the early 20th century.<ref name="stillwater">{{cite book|author=Brent T. Peterson|title=Stillwater|location=Charleston, SC|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|page=80}}</ref>


David Swain operated a shipyard and engine works in Stillwater. Excursion steamboats, such as the ''Verne Swain'' and the ''Capitol'', began to operate in the early 20th century, taking passengers to other cities along the river.<ref name="stillwater">{{cite book|author=Brent T. Peterson|title=Stillwater|location=Charleston, SC|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|page=80}}</ref>
Stillwater sent men of the [[1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry]] Company B and the [[8th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment]] Company C to fight during the [[American Civil War]].<ref>[http://thisweekinthecivilwar.com/?p=337 From the Journal of Sgt. Sam Bloomer 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Part I]</ref><ref>[http://thisweekinthecivilwar.com/?p=350/ Historians seek Stillwater Civil War unit's flag]</ref>


During the [[American Civil War]], Stillwater sent men of the [[1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry]] Company B, [[5th Minnesota Infantry Regiment]] Company K, and the [[8th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment]] Company C, among others, to fight for the Union.<ref>[http://thisweekinthecivilwar.com/?p=337 From the ''Journal of Sgt. Sam Bloomer 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Part I']</ref><ref>[http://thisweekinthecivilwar.com/?p=350/ Historians seek Stillwater Civil War unit's flag]</ref><ref>Easton, A.B. 1909. ''History of the Saint Croix Valley'', vol. 1, pp. 40-58. Chicago: H.C. Cooper, Jr. & Co. This source contains a detailed list.</ref>
On October 18, 1921, [[Charles Strite]] invented the automatic pop-up bread [[toaster]] in Stillwater. By 1926, the Toastmaster Company began to market the first household toaster using a redesigned version of Strite's.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uspto.gov/news/pr/2001/01-46.jsp |title=Patent for Bread-Toaster Issued October 18, 1921 |website=www.uspto.gov |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201221533/http://www.uspto.gov/news/pr/2001/01-46.jsp |archive-date=February 1, 2015 |access-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref> In 1923, [[Nelson's Ice Cream]] parlor was established.<ref>{{cite web|first=Michelle |last=Miron |url=http://www.presspubs.com/st_croix/news/article_c3a2b17a-e7e8-11e1-936f-001a4bcf887a.html |title=Nelson’s continuing 89-year tradition of local treats |publisher=Presspubs.com |date=2012-08-16 |accessdate=2013-10-23}}</ref>


On October 18, 1921, [[Charles Strite]] invented the automatic pop-up bread [[toaster]] in Stillwater. By 1926, the Toastmaster Company began to market the first household toaster using a redesigned version of Strite's invention.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uspto.gov/news/pr/2001/01-46.jsp |title=Patent for Bread-Toaster Issued October 18, 1921 |website=www.uspto.gov |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201221533/http://www.uspto.gov/news/pr/2001/01-46.jsp |archive-date=February 1, 2015 |access-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref> In 1923, [[Nelson's Ice Cream]] parlor was established.<ref>{{cite web|first=Michelle |last=Miron |url=http://www.presspubs.com/st_croix/news/article_c3a2b17a-e7e8-11e1-936f-001a4bcf887a.html |title=Nelson's continuing 89-year tradition of local treats |publisher=Presspubs.com |date=2012-08-16 |access-date=2013-10-23}}</ref>
In 1931, construction of the [[Stillwater Bridge (St. Croix River)|Stillwater lift bridge]] over the [[St. Croix River (Wisconsin–Minnesota)|St. Croix River]] was completed at a final cost of $460,174, which was split equally between Minnesota and Wisconsin.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/liftbridge/|title=Stillwater Lift Bridge |date=2020|website=dot.state.mn.us |access-date=August 25, 2020}}</ref> The lift bridge is one of the city's most iconic and visible local monuments. It was part of [[Minnesota State Highway 36]] until 2017, when it closed. In 2020 it became part of a five-mile trail loop running through Stillwater and [[Houlton, Wisconsin]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dot.state.mn.us/stcroixcrossing/|title=St. Croix Crossing |date=2020|website=dot.state.mn.us |access-date=August 25, 2020}}</ref>

In 1931, construction of the [[Stillwater Bridge (St. Croix River)|Stillwater lift bridge]] over the [[St. Croix River (Wisconsin–Minnesota)|St. Croix River]] was completed at a final cost of $460,174, which was split equally between Minnesota and Wisconsin.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/liftbridge/|title=Stillwater Lift Bridge |date=2020|website=dot.state.mn.us |access-date=August 25, 2020}}</ref> The lift bridge is one of the city's most iconic and visible local monuments. It was part of [[Minnesota State Highway 36]] until 2017, when it closed to vehicle traffic. In 2020 it became part of a five-mile trail loop running through Stillwater and [[Houlton, Wisconsin]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dot.state.mn.us/stcroixcrossing/|title=St. Croix Crossing |date=2020|website=dot.state.mn.us |access-date=August 25, 2020}}</ref>


In 1996 the city of Stillwater entered into an agreement with Stillwater Township to annex land. In 2015 the Stillwater city council approved the annexing the last of the land covered by the agreement. The city's western border is now Manning Avenue (County Road 15). The northern border is now mostly, but not entirely, Minnesota Highway 96.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hometownsource.com/stillwater_gazette/news/local/area-briefs-stillwater-approves-long-anticipated-annexation/article_1efe07bf-7c81-57ff-a97a-2ab2372e0186.html|title=Stillwater approves long anticipated annexation|access-date=13 Dec 2017}}</ref>
In 1996 the city of Stillwater entered into an agreement with Stillwater Township to annex land. In 2015 the Stillwater city council approved the annexing the last of the land covered by the agreement. The city's western border is now Manning Avenue (County Road 15). The northern border is now mostly, but not entirely, Minnesota Highway 96.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hometownsource.com/stillwater_gazette/news/local/area-briefs-stillwater-approves-long-anticipated-annexation/article_1efe07bf-7c81-57ff-a97a-2ab2372e0186.html|title=Stillwater approves long anticipated annexation|access-date=13 Dec 2017}}</ref>

Stillwater was described as the Minnesota headquarters of the [[Ku Klux Klan]] in 1991, and has been identified as a "probable" former [[sundown town]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.startribune.com/book-website-track-history-of-racist-sundown-towns-in-minnesota-u-s/489425621/|title=Book, website track history of racist 'sundown towns' in Minnesota, U.S.|last=Brown|first=Curt|publisher=Star Tribune|date=28 July 2018|access-date=16 February 2024}}</ref>


<gallery widths="200px" heights="160px">
<gallery widths="200px" heights="160px">
File:Stillwater, MN c1860s.jpg|Stillwater c. 1860s
File:Stillwater, MN c1860s.jpg|Stillwater {{Circa|1860s}}
Image:Stillwater Courthouse.jpg|[[Washington County Courthouse (Minnesota)|Washington County Courthouse]]
Image:Stillwater Courthouse.jpg|[[Washington County Courthouse (Minnesota)|Washington County Courthouse]]
File:Stillwater, MN Veterans' Memorial.jpg|Across the street from the Courthouse, the Veterans' Memorial for local veterans
File:Stillwater, MN Veterans' Memorial.jpg|Across the street from the Courthouse, the Veterans' Memorial for local veterans
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|1880= 9055
|1880= 9055
|1890= 11260
|1890= 11260
|1900= 12818
|1900= 12318
|1910= 10198
|1910= 10198
|1920= 7735
|1920= 7735
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|align-fn=center
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|author-link=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 9, 2014}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|author-link=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 9, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name=1910Census>{{cite web |title=Minnesota |author=[[United States census]] |year=1910|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/volume-2/volume-2-p9.pdf |access-date=October 17, 2023}} 1860—1910 data.</ref>}}
}}


===Historic census data===
===Historic census data===
====1870====
*1870: The racial makeup of the city was: 4106 White, 18 Colored, 0 Chinese and Japanese, and 1 Indians.
: [[White Americans|White]]: 4,106 ({{Percentage | 4,106 | 4,125 | 2 }})
*1880: The racial makeup of the city was: 9020 White, 22 Colored, 2 Chinese and Japanese, and 2 Indians.
: [[Colored]]: 18 ({{Percentage | 18 | 4,125 | 2 }})
*1890: The racial makeup of the city was: 11209 White, 50 Colored, 0 Chinese, 0 Japanese, and 1 Civilized Indians.
: [[Native Americans in the United States|Indian]]: 1 ({{Percentage | 1 | 4,125 | 2 }})
*1910: The "color and nativity" makeup of the city was: 2447 Native White-Native parentage, 4916 Native White-Foreign or mixed parentage, 2774 Foreign-born white, 56 African American and 6 Indian, Chinese, and Japanese.
: '''Total: 4,125'''
*1920: The "color and nativity" makeup of the city was: 2384 Native White-Native parentage, 3683 Native White-Foreign or mixed parentage, 1664 Foreign-born white, 4 African American and 0 Indian, Chinese, and Japanese.
*1940: The racial makeup for the city was 7012 White, 0 African American and 1 Other race.
*1950: The racial makeup for the city was 99.9% white and 0.1% non-white
*1960: The racial makeup for the city was 99.9% white and 0.1% non-white
*1970: The racial makeup for the city was 10159 white, 1 African American, 12 Indian, 3 Japanese, 0 Chinese, 6 Filipino, and 6 All Other Races


===2010 census===
====1880====
: White: 9,020 ({{Percentage | 9,020 | 9,046 | 2 }})
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-11-13}}</ref> of 2010, there were 18,225 people, 7,075 households, and 4,885 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|2618.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 7,576 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1088.5|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 95.1% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.0% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.4% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.1% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.6% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.8% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.9% of the population.
: Colored: 22 ({{Percentage | 22 | 9,046 | 2 }})
: [[Chinese people|Chinese]] or [[Japanese people|Japanese]]: 2 ({{Percentage | 2 | 9,046 | 2 }})
: '''Total: 9,046'''


====1890====
There were 7,075 households, of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.0% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.03.
: White: 11,209 ({{Percentage | 11,209 | 11,260 | 2 }})
: Colored: 18 ({{Percentage | 18 | 11,260 | 2 }})
: Civilized Indian: 1 ({{Percentage | 1 | 11,260 | 2 }})
: '''Total: 11,260'''


====1910====
The median age in the city was 40 years. 26.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.3% were from 25 to 44; 29% were from 45 to 64; and 12.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
: White: 10,131 ({{Percentage | 10,137 | 10,198 | 2 }})
:: Born in U.S. to two U.S.-born parents: 2,447 ({{Percentage | 2,447 | 10,198 | 2 }})
:: Born in U.S. to one or two foreign-born parents: 4,910 ({{Percentage | 4,910 | 10,198 | 2 }})
:: Born outside U.S. 2,774 ({{Percentage | 2,774 | 10,198 | 2 }})
: [[African American]]: 56 ({{Percentage | 50 | 10,198 | 2 }})
: Chinese, Japanese, or Indian: 5 ({{Percentage | 5 | 10,198 | 2 }})
: '''Total: 10,199'''<ref name=1910Census/>

====1920====
: White: 10,137 ({{Percentage | 7,731 | 7,735 | 2 }})
:: Born in U.S. to two U.S.-born parents: 2,384 ({{Percentage | 2,384 | 7,735 | 2 }})
:: Born in U.S. to one or two foreign-born parents: 3,683 ({{Percentage | 3,683 | 7,735 | 2 }})
:: Born outside U.S. 1,664 ({{Percentage | 1,664 | 7,735 | 2 }})
: [[African American]]: 4 ({{Percentage | 4 | 7,735 | 2 }})
: '''Total: 7,735'''

====1940====
: White: 7,012 ({{Percentage | 7012 | 7013 | 2 }})
: Other: 1 ({{Percentage | 1 | 7013 | 2 }})

====1950====
: White: 99.9%
: Other: 0.1%

====1960====
: White: 99.9%
: Other: 0.1%

====1970====
: White: 10,159 ({{Percentage | 10,159 | 10,187 | 2 }})
: African American: 1 ({{Percentage | 1 | 10,187 | 2 }})
: Indian: 12 ({{Percentage | 12 | 10,187 | 2 }})
: Asian: 9 ({{Percentage | 9 | 10,187 | 2 }})
:: Japanese: 3 ({{Percentage | 3 | 10,187 | 2 }})
:: Filipino: 6 ({{Percentage | 6 | 10,187 | 2 }})
: Other: 6 ({{Percentage | 6 | 10,187 | 2 }})


===2000 census===
===2000 census===
Line 154: Line 198:
The median income for a household in the city was $57,154, and the median income for a family was $72,188. Males had a median income of $49,158 versus $33,680 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $27,163. About 3.0% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 5.6% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.
The median income for a household in the city was $57,154, and the median income for a family was $72,188. Males had a median income of $49,158 versus $33,680 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $27,163. About 3.0% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 5.6% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.


==Education==
===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-11-13}}</ref> of 2010, there were 18,225 people, 7,075 households, and 4,885 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|2618.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 7,576 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1088.5|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 95.1% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.0% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.4% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.1% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.6% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.8% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.9% of the population.
Stillwater has a mix of public district, public charter, and private schools at the primary and secondary levels. The city is served by the [[Stillwater Area Public Schools]] system and the nearest high school is [[Stillwater Area High School]] in [[Oak Park Heights, Minnesota]].


There were 7,075 households, of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.0% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.03.
==In popular culture==
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2019}}


The median age in the city was 40 years. 26.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.3% were from 25 to 44; 29% were from 45 to 64; and 12.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
=== In film, television, and books ===
* In ''[[The Mighty Ducks (film)|The Mighty Ducks]]'' films, one of the two "bash brothers", Fulton Reed (played by [[Elden Henson]]), is from Stillwater.
* The novel series ''[[The Emigrants (novels)|The Emigrants]]'' and the musical ''[[Kristina från Duvemåla]]'' tell the story of a family of Swedish emigrants who journey to [[Minnesota]] in 1850. Much of the story takes place in Stillwater.
* In ''[[Juno (film)|Juno]]'', Bren MacGuff mentions purchasing an expensive antique item at a Stillwater store.
* In the ''[[Supernatural (U.S. TV series)|Supernatural]]'' episode "The Purge", Sam and Dean head to Stillwater when a competitive eater mysteriously dies in impossible circumstances.
* The entirety of the film [[The Unearthing]] takes place in Stillwater and the story revolves around a local ghost legend.
* In ''[[Fargo (1996 film)|Fargo]]'', Stillwater is mentioned, referring specifically to the prison.
* Many [[Corridor Digital]] [[YouTube]] videos were filmed in and around Stillwater.
* The [[Disney]] film ''[[Clouds (2020 film)|Clouds]]'' is set in Stillwater, based on a true story


=== 2020 census ===
===Movies filmed entirely or partially in Stillwater===
As of the 2020 census, there were 19,394 people living in the city.
* ''[[Grumpy Old Men (film)|Grumpy Old Men]] ''(1993)

* ''[[The Cure (1995 film)|The Cure]]'' (1995)
The racial makeup of the city was 89.9% [[White Americans|White]] alone (95.4% White alone [[Multiracial Americans|or in combination]]), 1.7% [[African American|Black or African American]], 0.3% [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian and Alaska Native]], 1.5% [[Asian Americans|Asian]], 0.05% [[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]], 0.9% from other races, and 5.6% from two or more races. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanics]] of any race were 3.2% of the population.
* ''[[Grumpier Old Men]]'' (1995)

* ''[[Fargo (1996 film)|Fargo]]'' (1996)
According to the [[American Community Survey]] estimates for 2016–2020, the median income for a household in the city was $91,947, and the median income for a family was $109,151. Male full-time workers had a median income of $73,986 versus $67,005 for female workers. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $48,553. About 3.3% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="2020-EconChar-2762824">{{cite web|title=Selected Economic Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Stillwater city, Minnesota |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US2762824&y=2020&d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Data%20Profiles&tid=ACSDP5Y2020.DP03 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=24 March 2023}}</ref> Of the population age 25 and over, 96.4% were high school graduates or higher and 46.6% had a bachelor's degree or higher.<ref name="2020-SocChar-2762824">{{cite web|title=Selected Social Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Stillwater city, Minnesota |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US2762824&y=2020&d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Data%20Profiles&tid=ACSDP5Y2020.DP02 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=24 March 2023}}</ref>
* ''[[Beautiful Girls (film)|Beautiful Girls]]'' (1996)

* ''[[Overnight Delivery]]'' (1998)
==Education==
* ''[[Paperboys (documentary)|Paperboys]]'' (2001)
Stillwater has a mix of public district, public charter, and private schools at the primary and secondary levels. The city is served by the [[Stillwater Area Public Schools]] system and the nearest high school is [[Stillwater Area High School]] in [[Oak Park Heights, Minnesota]].
* ''[[The Unearthing]]'' (2015)
* [[Wilson (2017 film)|''Wilson'']] (2017)


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
* [[Thomas J. Abercrombie]], [[photographer]], first [[journalist]] to reach [[South Pole]], Born in Stillwater
* [[Ed Ackerson]], musician ([[Polara (band)|Polara]], The 27 Various) and record producer ([[The Jayhawks]], [[The Replacements (band)|The Replacements]], [[Motion City Soundtrack]]), born and attended high school in Stillwater
* [[Ed Ackerson]], musician ([[Polara (band)|Polara]], The 27 Various) and record producer ([[The Jayhawks]], [[The Replacements (band)|The Replacements]], [[Motion City Soundtrack]]), born and attended high school in Stillwater
* [[Brian Arnfelt]], NFL defensive end, attended high school in Stillwater
* [[Brian Arnfelt]], NFL defensive end, attended high school in Stillwater
Line 187: Line 222:
* [[Ben Blankenship]], member of Team USA Track and Field who set the world record in the distance medley
* [[Ben Blankenship]], member of Team USA Track and Field who set the world record in the distance medley
* [[Robert Brown (Minnesota politician)|Robert Brown]], Minnesota state senator and educator, born in Stillwater
* [[Robert Brown (Minnesota politician)|Robert Brown]], Minnesota state senator and educator, born in Stillwater
* [[Noah Cates]], professional ice hockey player for the [[Philadelphia Flyers]], born in Stillwater
* [[James B. Clark (director)|James B. Clark]], director and Oscar-nominated film editor, born in Stillwater
* [[James B. Clark (director)|James B. Clark]], director and Oscar-nominated film editor, born in Stillwater
* [[Jessie Diggins]], Olympic gold medalist in cross-country skiing, attended high school in Stillwater
* [[Jessie Diggins]], Olympic gold medalist in cross-country skiing, attended high school in Stillwater
* [[Nate Dwyer]], NFL linebacker, born in Stillwater
* [[Nate Dwyer]], NFL linebacker, born in Stillwater
* [[Chris Engler]], NBA player, born in Stillwater
* [[Chris Engler]], NBA player, born in Stillwater
* [[Otto Folin]], biochemist, educated in Stillwater
* [[Corridor Digital|Sam Gorski and Niko Pueringer]], creators of Corridor Digital
* [[Sean Graham]], retired professional track athlete and current head track and cross country coach at [[American University]]
* [[Sean Graham]], retired professional track athlete and current head track and cross country coach at [[American University]]
* [[Nicole Hause]], skateboarder for REAL Skateboards and Nike SB, originally from Stillwater
* [[Nicole Hause]], skateboarder for REAL Skateboards and Nike SB, originally from Stillwater
Line 196: Line 234:
* [[Phil Housley]], Hockey Hall of Fame player and NHL coach, coached in Stillwater
* [[Phil Housley]], Hockey Hall of Fame player and NHL coach, coached in Stillwater
* [[Murder of Sherri Jarvis|Sherri Jarvis]], murder victim
* [[Murder of Sherri Jarvis|Sherri Jarvis]], murder victim
* [[Corridor Digital|Sam Gorski and Niko Pueringer]], creators of Corridor Digital
* [[Todd Kalis]], NFL guard, born in Stillwater
* [[Todd Kalis]], NFL guard, born in Stillwater
* [[Brandon Laatsch]], game developer and [[YouTuber]]<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iSv4pgW-OI |title=What's the deal with Freddiew & Corridor? |date=2012-12-11 |last=Corridor Crew |access-date=2024-08-16 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
* [[Jessica Lange]], actress, resided in Stillwater
* [[Jessica Lange]], actress, resided in Stillwater
* [[Frankie Lee (Americana musician)|Frankie Lee]], musician, born in Stillwater
* [[Frankie Lee (Americana musician)|Frankie Lee]], musician, born in Stillwater
Line 216: Line 254:
* [[John B. Taft]], farmer and Minnesota state legislator, resided in Stillwater
* [[John B. Taft]], farmer and Minnesota state legislator, resided in Stillwater
*[[Butch Thompson]], [[jazz]] [[pianist]] and [[clarinetist]], went to high school in Stillwater<ref>{{cite web|last=Fredericksen|first=Jane|title=Marine native Butch Thompson celebrates jazz roots|url=http://www.presspubs.com/st_croix/news/article_cea98e5d-8f7e-5753-ad02-80096e707168.html|publisher=The Lowdown|access-date=March 16, 2014|date=May 7, 2009}}</ref>
*[[Butch Thompson]], [[jazz]] [[pianist]] and [[clarinetist]], went to high school in Stillwater<ref>{{cite web|last=Fredericksen|first=Jane|title=Marine native Butch Thompson celebrates jazz roots|url=http://www.presspubs.com/st_croix/news/article_cea98e5d-8f7e-5753-ad02-80096e707168.html|publisher=The Lowdown|access-date=March 16, 2014|date=May 7, 2009}}</ref>
* [[Thomas Vanek]], retired [[NHL]] winger for [[Buffalo Sabres]] and [[Minnesota Wild]] and others, resides in Stillwater
* [[Thomas Vanek]], ice hockey forward for the [[Minnesota Wild]], resides in Stillwater


==See also==
==See also==
Line 231: Line 269:
* [http://www.ci.stillwater.mn.us City website]
* [http://www.ci.stillwater.mn.us City website]
* [http://www.ilovestillwater.com Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.ilovestillwater.com Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce]
* {{curlie|Regional/North_America/United_States/Minnesota/Localities/S/Stillwater}}


{{Washington County, Minnesota}}
{{Washington County, Minnesota}}
Line 240: Line 277:


[[Category:Stillwater, Minnesota| ]]
[[Category:Stillwater, Minnesota| ]]
[[Category:1837 establishments in Wisconsin Territory]]
[[Category:Cities in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Cities in Minnesota]]
[[Category:St. Croix River (Wisconsin–Minnesota)]]
[[Category:1837 establishments in Wisconsin Territory]]
[[Category:Cities in Washington County, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Cities in Washington County, Minnesota]]
[[Category:County seats in Minnesota]]
[[Category:County seats in Minnesota]]

Latest revision as of 20:05, 3 December 2024

Stillwater
The waterfront of Stillwater on the St. Croix River
The waterfront of Stillwater on the St. Croix River
Official seal of Stillwater
Nickname: 
The Birthplace of Minnesota
Location of the city of Stillwater within Washington County, Minnesota
Location of the city of Stillwater
within Washington County, Minnesota
Stillwater is located in the United States
Stillwater
Stillwater
Coordinates: 45°3′N 92°49′W / 45.050°N 92.817°W / 45.050; -92.817
CountryUnited States
StateMinnesota
CountyWashington
First settledOctober 26, 1843
Government
 • MayorTed Kozlowski
Area
 • Total
9.07 sq mi (23.50 km2)
 • Land8.05 sq mi (20.84 km2)
 • Water1.03 sq mi (2.66 km2)
Elevation866 ft (264 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
19,394
 • Density2,410.39/sq mi (930.66/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP Codes
55082, 55083
Area code651
FIPS code27-62824
GNIS feature ID2395969[2]
Websiteci.stillwater.mn.us

Stillwater is a city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and the county seat of Washington County. It is in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, on the west bank of the St. Croix River, across from Houlton, Wisconsin. Stillwater's population was 19,394 at the 2020 census.[3][4] Stillwater is often called "the birthplace of Minnesota"[5] due to its role in the establishment of the state.

Geography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 7.98 square miles (20.67 km2); 6.96 square miles (18.03 km2) is land and 1.02 square miles (2.64 km2) is water.[6] State Highways 36, 95, and 96 are three of the community's main routes.

Climate

[edit]

Stillwater receives an average annual snowfall of 42 inches (1,100 mm). Average annual rainfall is 24 in (610 mm). Each year has an average of 14 days above 90 °F (32 °C).

Name

[edit]

The name "Stillwater" was proposed in 1843 by John McKusick, who built the settlement's first sawmill. McKusick was later a state senator.[7] The name derives from the St. Croix River's calmness near the town center.[8] It is also believed that McKusick had fond memories of Stillwater, Maine, where he had migrated from.[7]

Long before European Americans arrived, the area was occupied by various indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The Dakota people called it Hoġan Wanḳe Kin,[9] a term that encompassed not only the St. Croix River but also Lake St. Croix and a large sandbar across from present-day Afton. The name, meaning "the place where the fish lies", derived from a legend in which a man was transformed into a giant fish (a catfish or a pike, depending on the version) and then into a sandbar.[10] In English, Hoġan Wanḳe Kin has been spelled variously as Hogan-wahnkay-kin, Hogan-wauke-kin and Hogan-wan-kee.[11]

The Ojibwe name for the place was Giigoonzh-agomod, with the slightly different meaning of "where the fish floats".[12] The Ojibwe origin legend is very similar, also involving a man transformed into a giant fish and found floating in the lake. He was ultimately transformed into "a piece of land crossing the lake there" (i.e., the sandbar). In English renderings, Giigo onh-zhagomod has been spelled as Kee-go-shagewa-minnie[13] and Kegan-Shaw-Ga-Nut.

History

[edit]
A panoramic sketch of Stillwater drawn by Albert Ruger in 1870.

In the 1830s, European Americans were pressing west into this territory. The U.S. government tried to arrange for their settlement in Native American lands, and on July 29 and September 29, 1837, it signed treaties with the local Ojibwe and Dakota nations to allow such settlement in the St. Croix Valley.

The settlement was founded on October 26, 1843, when four partners formed the Stillwater Lumber Company.[14] Settlers were drawn by the area's abundant lumber and river traffic resulting from the industry. This was one of Minnesota's oldest towns, preceding Minneapolis by several years. Stillwater was officially incorporated as a city on March 4, 1854 (the same day as St. Paul).[citation needed]

Stillwater is often called the "birthplace of Minnesota".[5] In 1848, a territorial convention that began the process of establishing Minnesota as a state was held in Stillwater, at the corner of Myrtle and Main streets. Originally part of the Wisconsin Territory, Minnesota officially became a separate territory in 1849 and, after population increases, a state in 1858.

As more evidence of Stillwater's importance at the time, the territorial convention selected three leading Minnesota cities as locations for three important public institutions: Saint Paul was designated as the capital; the University of Minnesota was established at Minneapolis; and Stillwater became the site of the territory's first prison. The Minnesota Territorial Prison (later Minnesota State Prison) was opened in 1853. The prison held Cole, Jim, and Bob Younger, three of the Younger brothers of the James–Younger Gang.

Lumbering was the predominant industry in the St. Croix River Valley in the second half of the 19th century. For many years, lumbermen sent large rafts of logs down the St. Croix. They were collected at the St. Croix Boom Site two miles upstream of Stillwater, and processed in Stillwater's many sawmills. Steamboats were used most widely on the river from 1860 to 1890. A few still operate as entertainment venues today.

David Swain operated a shipyard and engine works in Stillwater. Excursion steamboats, such as the Verne Swain and the Capitol, began to operate in the early 20th century, taking passengers to other cities along the river.[15]

During the American Civil War, Stillwater sent men of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Company B, 5th Minnesota Infantry Regiment Company K, and the 8th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company C, among others, to fight for the Union.[16][17][18]

On October 18, 1921, Charles Strite invented the automatic pop-up bread toaster in Stillwater. By 1926, the Toastmaster Company began to market the first household toaster using a redesigned version of Strite's invention.[19] In 1923, Nelson's Ice Cream parlor was established.[20]

In 1931, construction of the Stillwater lift bridge over the St. Croix River was completed at a final cost of $460,174, which was split equally between Minnesota and Wisconsin.[21] The lift bridge is one of the city's most iconic and visible local monuments. It was part of Minnesota State Highway 36 until 2017, when it closed to vehicle traffic. In 2020 it became part of a five-mile trail loop running through Stillwater and Houlton, Wisconsin.[22]

In 1996 the city of Stillwater entered into an agreement with Stillwater Township to annex land. In 2015 the Stillwater city council approved the annexing the last of the land covered by the agreement. The city's western border is now Manning Avenue (County Road 15). The northern border is now mostly, but not entirely, Minnesota Highway 96.[23]

Stillwater was described as the Minnesota headquarters of the Ku Klux Klan in 1991, and has been identified as a "probable" former sundown town.[24]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note
18602,380
18704,12473.3%
18809,055119.6%
189011,26024.4%
190012,3189.4%
191010,198−17.2%
19207,735−24.2%
19307,173−7.3%
19407,013−2.2%
19507,6749.4%
19608,3108.3%
197010,19122.6%
198012,29020.6%
199013,88213.0%
200015,1439.1%
201018,22520.4%
202019,3946.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[25] [26]

Historic census data

[edit]

1870

[edit]
White: 4,106 (99.54%)
Colored: 18 (0.44%)
Indian: 1 (0.02%)
Total: 4,125

1880

[edit]
White: 9,020 (99.71%)
Colored: 22 (0.24%)
Chinese or Japanese: 2 (0.02%)
Total: 9,046

1890

[edit]
White: 11,209 (99.55%)
Colored: 18 (0.16%)
Civilized Indian: 1 (0.01%)
Total: 11,260

1910

[edit]
White: 10,131 (99.4%)
Born in U.S. to two U.S.-born parents: 2,447 (23.99%)
Born in U.S. to one or two foreign-born parents: 4,910 (48.15%)
Born outside U.S. 2,774 (27.2%)
African American: 56 (0.49%)
Chinese, Japanese, or Indian: 5 (0.05%)
Total: 10,199[26]

1920

[edit]
White: 10,137 (99.95%)
Born in U.S. to two U.S.-born parents: 2,384 (30.82%)
Born in U.S. to one or two foreign-born parents: 3,683 (47.61%)
Born outside U.S. 1,664 (21.51%)
African American: 4 (0.05%)
Total: 7,735

1940

[edit]
White: 7,012 (99.99%)
Other: 1 (0.01%)

1950

[edit]
White: 99.9%
Other: 0.1%

1960

[edit]
White: 99.9%
Other: 0.1%

1970

[edit]
White: 10,159 (99.73%)
African American: 1 (0.01%)
Indian: 12 (0.12%)
Asian: 9 (0.09%)
Japanese: 3 (0.03%)
Filipino: 6 (0.06%)
Other: 6 (0.06%)

2000 census

[edit]

As of the census of 2000, there were 15,143 people, 5,797 households, and 4,115 families living in the city. The population density was 2,340.0 inhabitants per square mile (903.5/km2). There were 5,926 housing units at an average density of 915.7 per square mile (353.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.0% White, 0.9% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 5,797 households, out of which 36.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.2% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.7% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $57,154, and the median income for a family was $72,188. Males had a median income of $49,158 versus $33,680 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,163. About 3.0% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.6% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

[edit]

As of the census[27] of 2010, there were 18,225 people, 7,075 households, and 4,885 families living in the city. The population density was 2,618.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,011.0/km2). There were 7,576 housing units at an average density of 1,088.5 per square mile (420.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.1% White, 1.0% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 7,075 households, of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.0% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.03.

The median age in the city was 40 years. 26.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.3% were from 25 to 44; 29% were from 45 to 64; and 12.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2020 census

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As of the 2020 census, there were 19,394 people living in the city.

The racial makeup of the city was 89.9% White alone (95.4% White alone or in combination), 1.7% Black or African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.9% from other races, and 5.6% from two or more races. Hispanics of any race were 3.2% of the population.

According to the American Community Survey estimates for 2016–2020, the median income for a household in the city was $91,947, and the median income for a family was $109,151. Male full-time workers had a median income of $73,986 versus $67,005 for female workers. The per capita income for the city was $48,553. About 3.3% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.[28] Of the population age 25 and over, 96.4% were high school graduates or higher and 46.6% had a bachelor's degree or higher.[29]

Education

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Stillwater has a mix of public district, public charter, and private schools at the primary and secondary levels. The city is served by the Stillwater Area Public Schools system and the nearest high school is Stillwater Area High School in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota.

Notable people

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Stillwater, Minnesota
  3. ^ "2020 Decennial Census: Stillwater city, Minnesota". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  4. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  5. ^ a b "The birth of Minnesota" (PDF). mnhs.org. 1997. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  6. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  7. ^ a b Upham, Warren (1920). Minnesota Geographic Names: Their Origin and Historic Significance. Minnesota Historical Society. p. 571.
  8. ^ Chicago and North Western Railway Company (1908). A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways. p. 165.
  9. ^ "Dakota spoken here: Mni Sota's Dakota Indian heritage topic of Minnesota Book Award winner". www.tcdailyplanet.net/. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  10. ^ "Afton--Washington County Historical Society". www.wchsmn.org/afton/. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  11. ^ Neill, Rev. Edward D (1881). History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota. North Star Publishing Company. p. [1].
  12. ^ "Nookomis Gaa-Inaajimotawi: What My Grandmother Told Me," in Oshkaabewis Native Journal" (PDF). www.bemidjistate.edu. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 23, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  13. ^ "How Stillwater Came to Be" (PDF). www.mnhs.org/. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  14. ^ Folsom, William H.C. (1888). Fifty Years in the Northwest. Pioneer Press Company. pp. 38–39.
  15. ^ Brent T. Peterson. Stillwater. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing. p. 80.
  16. ^ From the Journal of Sgt. Sam Bloomer 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Part I'
  17. ^ Historians seek Stillwater Civil War unit's flag
  18. ^ Easton, A.B. 1909. History of the Saint Croix Valley, vol. 1, pp. 40-58. Chicago: H.C. Cooper, Jr. & Co. This source contains a detailed list.
  19. ^ "Patent for Bread-Toaster Issued October 18, 1921". www.uspto.gov. Archived from the original on February 1, 2015. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  20. ^ Miron, Michelle (August 16, 2012). "Nelson's continuing 89-year tradition of local treats". Presspubs.com. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
  21. ^ "Stillwater Lift Bridge". dot.state.mn.us. 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  22. ^ "St. Croix Crossing". dot.state.mn.us. 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  23. ^ "Stillwater approves long anticipated annexation". Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  24. ^ Brown, Curt (July 28, 2018). "Book, website track history of racist 'sundown towns' in Minnesota, U.S." Star Tribune. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  25. ^ United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  26. ^ a b United States census (1910). "Minnesota" (PDF). Retrieved October 17, 2023. 1860—1910 data.
  27. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  28. ^ "Selected Economic Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Stillwater city, Minnesota". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  29. ^ "Selected Social Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Stillwater city, Minnesota". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  30. ^ Corridor Crew (December 11, 2012). What's the deal with Freddiew & Corridor?. Retrieved August 16, 2024 – via YouTube.
  31. ^ Kink, Julie (May 30, 2014). "Funny man comes from a long line of 'censored performers'". St. Croix Valley Area News. Stillwater, Minnesota. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  32. ^ Fredericksen, Jane (May 7, 2009). "Marine native Butch Thompson celebrates jazz roots". The Lowdown. Retrieved March 16, 2014.
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