4555 Oakport Street North
Moorhead, MN, USA

National Register of Historic Places - Randolph M. Probstfield House (Probstfield House)

Statement of Significance:

The Probstfield House, the oldest known house in Clay County is significant for its association with Randolph M. Probstfield, one of Clay County's most prominent early citizens, Probstfield came to the Red River Valley in 1859, along with two other men, and was thus one of the first three permanent settlers in the area. He was the first postmaster at Georgetown, and from 1865-1868 was manager of the Hudson's Bay Trading Post there. In 1869, Probstfield built his permanent home. Probstfield took a prominent role in the civic affairs, politics, education, and agriculture in the Moorhead area. He served as public assessor, county clerk, school board director, and as a state senator. Perhaps his most important role was in the promotion of agriculture in the Red River Valley. Probstfield's extensive diaries, covering from 1859 to his death in 1911, show a deep involvement in agricultural experimentation and development, and offer a great opportunity for interpretation of the farm site. (The diaries were continued by the Probstfield family until 1962.)