Jackson Hotel
214 Jackson St., Anoka, MNThe Jackson Hotel is the only hotel and one of the very few commercial buildings in Anoka representing the period of reconstruction following the great fire of 1884 which has survived fires, floods, tornadoes, and urban renewal. It remains a distinctive landmark in the central business district of Anoka and symbolizes the once prominent role that this City played in Minnesota as an agricultural market and as a lumbering, milling, and commercial trade center. However, the building is in imminent danger of being lost to urban renewal if not recognized and renovated. If protected and renovated it could be more than symbolic, but return to an active commercial life in Anoka.
Constructed in 1884 and serving the Anoka area continuously for over 90 years until it ceased operation in 1975, the Jackson Hotel has played a central role in the commercial vitality of the Anoka region. Situated in the heart of Anoka at the hub of water, rail, and overland trade routes, the Jackson Hotel served a varied clientele and witnessed the passing of several commercial periods. In its early years, the hotel served farmers and loggers who brought their respective products to market and mill in Anoka. As commerce expanded, the hotel expanded to serve traveling businessmen, and campaigning politicians, it inerrant photographers, lecturers, entertainers, and tourists. The hotel was an essential part of the itinerant salesman's life with the hotel sample room serving as the only store and office the salesman ever knew. Both early teamsters and modern-day truckers made the Jackson Hotel one of their stops.
Under the management of Charles G. Jackson, the builder, and owner, the Jackson Hotel gained the reputation of being the leading hotel in Anoka and one of the best hotels in Minnesota, known particularly for its fine cuisine and exceptional hospitality toward its guests. The hotel attracted weekend tourists from the Twin Cities and served as a banquet and small convention center for many civic and business groups from both the Anoka and the Twin Cities areas. As a unique local landmark, the Jackson Hotel has been the gathering place for many special community events and served as the headquarters for reconstruction crews who poured into Anoka following the 1939 tornado.
Local significance of the building:
Constructed in 1884 and serving the Anoka area continuously for over 90 years until it ceased operation in 1975, the Jackson Hotel has played a central role in the commercial vitality of the Anoka region. Situated in the heart of Anoka at the hub of water, rail, and overland trade routes, the Jackson Hotel served a varied clientele and witnessed the passing of several commercial periods. In its early years, the hotel served farmers and loggers who brought their respective products to market and mill in Anoka. As commerce expanded, the hotel expanded to serve traveling businessmen, and campaigning politicians, it inerrant photographers, lecturers, entertainers, and tourists. The hotel was an essential part of the itinerant salesman's life with the hotel sample room serving as the only store and office the salesman ever knew. Both early teamsters and modern-day truckers made the Jackson Hotel one of their stops.
Under the management of Charles G. Jackson, the builder, and owner, the Jackson Hotel gained the reputation of being the leading hotel in Anoka and one of the best hotels in Minnesota, known particularly for its fine cuisine and exceptional hospitality toward its guests. The hotel attracted weekend tourists from the Twin Cities and served as a banquet and small convention center for many civic and business groups from both the Anoka and the Twin Cities areas. As a unique local landmark, the Jackson Hotel has been the gathering place for many special community events and served as the headquarters for reconstruction crews who poured into Anoka following the 1939 tornado.
Commerce
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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Minnesota was the first state to establish a charter school law in 1991, allowing for more independent and innovative educational opportunities.
About Anoka County
Anoka County Timeline
Anoka County, Minnesota has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe, who used the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering. In the early 19th century, European settlers began moving into the region, attracted by the natural resources and trade opportunities.
Officially established in 1857, Anoka County was named after the Dakota word for "on both sides," reflecting its location between the Mississippi and Rum Rivers. The county's early economy revolved around logging, farming, and transportation. The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s brought significant growth and development, enabling greater commerce and connecting the county to larger markets.
Anoka County played a significant role in the development of Minnesota's education system. In 1858, the first public school in Minnesota was founded in Anoka, becoming a cornerstone for educational progression in the area. As the population grew, more schools were established, and education became a central focus for the county.
In the 20th century, Anoka County experienced further growth and transformation. The construction of Highway 10 and Interstate 35 expedited transportation and trade, facilitating the expansion of industries and residential areas. The county also became a hub for defense manufacturing during World War II, with several factories and military installations being established.
Today, Anoka County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail sectors. It is known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and vibrant arts and cultural scene. The county continues to evolve and adapt, while preserving its historical roots, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Officially established in 1857, Anoka County was named after the Dakota word for "on both sides," reflecting its location between the Mississippi and Rum Rivers. The county's early economy revolved around logging, farming, and transportation. The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s brought significant growth and development, enabling greater commerce and connecting the county to larger markets.
Anoka County played a significant role in the development of Minnesota's education system. In 1858, the first public school in Minnesota was founded in Anoka, becoming a cornerstone for educational progression in the area. As the population grew, more schools were established, and education became a central focus for the county.
In the 20th century, Anoka County experienced further growth and transformation. The construction of Highway 10 and Interstate 35 expedited transportation and trade, facilitating the expansion of industries and residential areas. The county also became a hub for defense manufacturing during World War II, with several factories and military installations being established.
Today, Anoka County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail sectors. It is known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and vibrant arts and cultural scene. The county continues to evolve and adapt, while preserving its historical roots, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Anoka County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Anoka County, Minnesota.
- 1847 - Anoka County is established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
- 1857 - The city of Anoka is incorporated as the first city in Anoka County.
- 1877 - Anoka State Hospital, now known as the Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center, is founded.
- 1920 - The Anoka County Courthouse, designed by Roy B. France, is completed.
- 1950 - The population of Anoka County reaches over 60,000.
- 1970 - The completion of Interstate 35W improves transportation in Anoka County.
- 1996 - Anoka County Library System is established, providing public library services to residents.
- 2011 - The Anoka County Government Center is expanded to accommodate growth and increased services.
- 2019 - The population of Anoka County exceeds 356,000 residents.