405 East 6th Street
Blue Earth, MN, USA

National Register of Historic Places - James B. Wakefield House ( Faribault County Historical Society Museum)

Statement of Significance: The James B. Wakefield House is significant for its association with James Wakefield, one of Blue Earth's original founders, principal organizer of Faribault County, and state politician. Wakefield was born and educated in Connecticut and admitted to the Indiana Bar in 1851. He moved to Shakopee, Minnesota in 1854 and two years later, with several other persons, founded the city of Blue Earth. He was the principal force behind the organization of Faribault County and served in many county offices. In 1857 he was elected to the House of Representatives in the Last Territorial Legislature and the First State Legislature. In 1861 he was appointed Deputy Agent at the Lower Sioux Indian Agency. He returned to the Legislature in 1863, became speaker of the House in 1866, and later served in the State Senate for two years. He was elected Republican Lt. Governor under John Pillsbury and served two terms. In 1883 he was elected to Congress and served two terms. After his retirement from political office in 1887, he returned to his home in Blue Earth and looked after his farming interests. The Wakefield house, built in 1868, remains the most visible link with the founding of Faribault County and the City of Blue Earth. Because of Wakefield's political accomplishments it is one of the most historically significant houses in the county.