Washington County occupies an
important place in Minnesota's
territorial and transportation
history, shaped by the St. Croix
River, Indigenous communities,
the lumber industry,
early government institutions
and the growth of Stillwater.
Long Before Minnesota Statehood
The St. Croix River region
has deep Indigenous history,
including longstanding
Dakota and Ojibwe connections
with the river, surrounding
land and natural resources.
Waterways functioned as
important travel corridors
long before the region
developed its modern road
and transportation systems.
The St. Croix River and Early Commerce
The river helped support
transportation, trade
and settlement, becoming
an important commercial
corridor during the
nineteenth century.
Timber and lumber industries
played a major role in the
region's economic development.
Logs were moved through
the river system to
mills and commercial destinations.
Stillwater and Minnesota Territory
Stillwater is frequently
called the Birthplace
of Minnesota because of
its important role in
the movement toward
Minnesota territorial
government.
In 1848, a territorial
convention held in Stillwater
helped advance efforts to
establish Minnesota Territory.
The County's Historic Development
Before European-American Settlement
Indigenous communities
lived and traveled through
the St. Croix Valley.
The river provided an
enduring regional connection.
1848 — Stillwater Convention
Territorial organization
efforts associated with
Stillwater contributed
to Minnesota's early
political development.
1849 — Minnesota Territory
Washington County was
among the original
counties created
during Minnesota's
territorial period.
Mid-Nineteenth Century
The lumber trade,
river transport,
early road networks
and commercial development
shaped the region.
1867 — Historic Courthouse Construction
Construction began on
the Washington County
Historic Courthouse
overlooking Stillwater.
Railroad & Highway Era
Transportation shifted
toward railroad links,
improved roads and
automobiles as the
metropolitan region grew.
Modern Washington County
The county combines
metropolitan suburbs,
historic towns,
rural communities,
transportation corridors
and outdoor recreation.
The Historic Courthouse
The Washington County
Historic Courthouse
stands high above
downtown Stillwater.
Construction began in 1867.
The structure later became
an important symbol of
local government and
architectural heritage.
The building is now
used for public tours,
historical interpretation,
educational programs
and special events.
From Riverboats to Modern Transportation
Travel through Washington
County has evolved from
river routes and overland
trails to roads, railroads,
bridges, private vehicles
and contemporary passenger
transportation.
The county's proximity
to Saint Paul and
Minneapolis created
new economic and
transportation connections
as the Twin Cities expanded.
Preserving History for Future Visitors
Washington County remains
a destination for people
interested in Minnesota's
early political history,
the St. Croix River,
historic architecture,
outdoor activities
and seasonal tourism.
Taxi Minnesota's county
travel collection combines
local history, geography,
destinations and
transportation information.
Taxi Minnesota is a
private passenger
transportation provider
and is not a government
agency or historical society.
Historical reference:
Washington County Historic Courthouse
.