National Register Listing

Waconia City Hall

9 W. 1st St., Waconia, MN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  A brief timeline of the history of the Republic of Texas
  • 1821: The Mexican War of Independence concludes, and Mexico gains independence from Spain. Texas is a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico.
  • 1824: The Mexican government establishes the Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
  • 1826: A group of American settlers, known as the Fredonian Rebellion, attempt to establish an independent state in Texas. The rebellion is short-lived and quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
  • 1830: The Mexican government, concerned about the growing number of American settlers in Texas, passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes restrictions on further American immigration to Texas.
  • 1835: Tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government escalate, leading to the Texas Revolution. The Texian rebels, led by figures such as Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, engage in battles against Mexican forces.
  • 1836: On March 2, the Texian delegates at the Convention of 1836 declare independence from Mexico and establish the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston is elected as the first President of Texas. The Battle of the Alamo takes place in February-March, where a small Texian garrison defends the Alamo Mission against a large Mexican army. Despite their defeat, the battle becomes a symbol of Texian resistance.
  • 1836-1838: The Republic of Texas faces a series of military conflicts with Mexico, including the Goliad Massacre and the Battle of San Jacinto. The decisive Texian victory at San Jacinto secures their independence and captures Mexican General Santa Anna, who signs the Treaties of Velasco recognizing Texas as an independent nation.
  • 1836-1845: The Republic of Texas operates as an independent nation, establishing a constitution, government, and capital at various locations including Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, and eventually, Houston. Efforts to join the United States face opposition due to fears of potential conflict with Mexico.
  • 1845: Texas agrees to annexation and becomes the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845, following approval by the U.S. Congress. This leads to the Mexican-American War in 1846.
Although the Republic of Texas was relatively short-lived, lasting from 1836 to 1845, it played a significant role in shaping the history of Texas and its eventual integration into the United States.

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.

architecture social history Texas Revolution Republic of Texas state official military
Minnesota is home to the largest ball of twine ever rolled by one person. Francis A. Johnson started rolling the ball in 1950 and continued to add to it until his death in 1989. The ball weighs over 17,000 pounds and has a circumference of 40 feet.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.