National Register Listing

Casey, Patrick, House

4th St. SE and 2nd Ave., Aitkin, MN
The Patrick Casey House is a local architectural landmark associated with one of Aitkin's most respected turn-of-the-century business figures. Patrick Casey arrived in Aitkin in 1873 two years after the community's founding. For the next 37 years, he worked for Potter & Co., the region's foremost mercantile establishment, as manager of the firm's branch store in Grand Rapids and, later, as general, manager. In 1903 he became a partner in the reorganized firm Potter-Casey Company. In 1901, while at the peak of his career as an Aitkin businessman, Casey commissioned Aitkin architect and builder N.J. Holden, to design and build a Queen Anne residence. Although Casey died in 1910, the property remained in the family until 1938, when the Benedictine Sisters Benevolent Association acquired the structure for use as a parochial school. The well-preserved house ranks among the few architecturally distinctive residences in northern Minnesota outside of Duluth and the larger Iron Range communities.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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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Audiobooks about the history of Minnesota.
Minnesota is home to the world's largest pelican statue, standing at 15.5 feet tall and located in the city of Pelican Rapids.
Minnesota random facts
Aitkin County, located in the central part of Minnesota, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to the Dakota and Ojibwe Native American tribes, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for their livelihoods. European exploration and settlement began in the 17th century, with French traders and voyageurs making their way to the area to trade furs with the Native Americans.

In the mid-19th century, the US government established a trading post in Aitkin County, which helped to facilitate further settlement in the area. The county was officially established in 1857, named after William Alexander Aitkin, a prominent fur trader in the region. The lumber industry soon became a major economic driver for the county, with numerous sawmills established along the area's rivers.

The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further spurred growth and development in Aitkin County. The county became a hub for logging and timber transportation, as well as providing a means for settlers to access the area. The county's economy diversified over time, with agriculture playing an increasingly important role alongside the timber industry.

Today, Aitkin County is a thriving community that embraces its natural beauty and history. Outdoor recreation, such as fishing, hunting, and hiking, is a popular activity in the area. The county's historical sites and museums, such as the Aitkin County Historical Society and the Aitkin Depot Museum, provide a glimpse into the area's past. Aitkin County continues to be a place where residents and visitors can appreciate the unique combination of natural resources and rich history that the region has to offer.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Aitkin County, Minnesota.

  • 1857: Aitkin County is established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
  • 1871: Aitkin becomes the county seat of Aitkin County.
  • 1884: The Great Northern Railway reaches Aitkin, connecting the area to larger markets.
  • 1902: The town of McGregor is incorporated in Aitkin County.
  • 1903: The Soo Line Railroad reaches Aitkin, further improving transportation in the area.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardship to Aitkin County.
  • 1942: The Savanna Army Depot is established near McGregor during World War II.
  • 1970s: Aitkin County experiences a period of economic growth and development.
  • 1993: The Pillsbury State Forest is established in Aitkin County.
  • 2016: The Mille Lacs Indian Reservation, located partially within Aitkin County, is officially recognized by the federal government.