National Register Listing

Simons Building and Livery Barn

a.k.a. Courthouse Saloon

123 W. 3rd St., Chaska, MN
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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.

commerce architecture
Audiobooks about the history of Minnesota.
The US-Dakota War of 1862, also known as the Sioux Uprising, was a conflict between the Dakota Sioux and the United States. The war resulted in the execution of 38 Dakota men, the largest mass execution in U.S. history.
Minnesota random facts
Carver County, Minnesota, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe, who relied on the region's fertile lands and abundant water sources for sustenance and trade.

The first European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, and Carver County saw rapid growth with the establishment of the Carver Land Office in 1851. The land office facilitated the sale and settlement of vast areas, attracting farmers, merchants, and entrepreneurs to the area. Pioneering families, often of German and Irish descent, flocked to Carver County, transforming the landscape into a bustling agricultural hub known for its wheat, corn, and dairy production.

The county was officially named Carver in 1855, in honor of Jonathan Carver, an explorer who is believed to have passed through the region in the mid-18th century. With the expansion of railroads in the late 19th century, Carver County's economy further flourished, as it became easier to transport goods and connect with nearby cities.

Today, Carver County is a growing suburban community that strikes a balance between its agricultural roots and modern developments. The county's natural beauty, including the picturesque Lake Minnetonka, has drawn many residents seeking a peaceful and scenic environment. With its strong sense of community and commitment to preserving its history, Carver County continues to thrive and attract new residents, while honoring its past.

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

  • 1855: Carver County is established as a county in the state of Minnesota.
  • 1856: The city of Carver becomes the county seat.
  • 1862: The Dakota War of 1862 affects Carver County, leading to the evacuation of settlers.
  • 1868: The Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway reaches Carver County, boosting transportation and trade.
  • 1872: The city of Chaska becomes the new county seat.
  • 1950s: Carver County experiences rapid population growth due to its proximity to the Twin Cities.
  • 1960s: Carver County faces urbanization and suburbanization challenges amidst the growing metropolitan area.
  • 1999: The United States Census Bureau identifies Carver County as the fastest-growing county in Minnesota.
  • 2000s: Carver County continues to experience population growth and development, while preserving its rural character.