208 97th Avenue Northwest
Coon Rapids, MN, USA

History of Coon Rapids

Coon Rapids, Minnesota, boasts a rich history dating back to the early 1800s when European settlers began arriving in the area. Originally inhabited by the Dakota Sioux Native American tribe, the region saw significant development with the arrival of European settlers attracted by the fertile land along the Mississippi River.

In 1857, Anoka Township was organized, marking the founding of what would become Coon Rapids as a separate government entity. The boundaries of Coon Rapids remained the same, except for the exclusion of the City of Anoka, which was incorporated separately.

The area's history is intertwined with the famous Red River Ox Cart Trail, established in 1835 for military use and later used for trade between St. Paul and Pembina in the Red River Valley. This trail closely followed the present East River Road / Coon Rapids Boulevard alignment.

Agriculture was the primary industry in Coon Rapids, with farms ranging from 90 to 600 acres. In 1881, the Anoka Pressed Brick and Terra Cotta Company, the first non-agricultural industry in Coon Rapids, was established by Dr. D.C. Dunham. The legacy of this industry is still visible today in the area known as the "Clay Hole."

The construction of the Coon Rapids Dam marked a significant turning point in the area's history. Proposed in 1898 by the Great Northern Development Company, the dam was not built until 1912. Within a year, a small city had sprung up on the shores of the Mississippi River, with streets laid out and a population exceeding 1,000. The dam, operated by the Mississippi Power Company until 1969, now serves as Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park under the management of the Hennepin County Park Board.

In July 1948, an election was held to incorporate the Township of Anoka as the village of Coon Rapids, which was successful in October 1952. The village government evolved into a city government, adopting the Council/Manager plan in November 1957. Finally, in June 1959, the Village of Coon Rapids officially became the City of Coon Rapids.

Today, Coon Rapids stands as a thriving suburban community with a diverse economy, excellent quality of life, and a rich history that continues to shape its identity.

208 97th Avenue Northwest, Coon Rapids, MN, USA

Hennepin County Marriage License

Jay C. Johnson, 22, filed for a marriage license in 1979 and listed this home as his address. He was marrying Nancy L. Frye, 24, of Roseville.

Home for sale

For sale listing in the Star Tribune from 1964.