640 South Bremer Avenue
Rush City, MN, USA

National Register of Historic Places - J.C. Carlson House

Statement of Significance:

The J.C. Carlson House is significant as the home of a leading entrepreneur in Chisago County's most important railroad center. Rush City, and as a well-preserved Queen Anne house designed by St. Paul architect Augustus F. Gauger. J.C, Carlson first made permanent residence in Rush City in 1882. In 1895, he became president of the State Bank of Rush City, a position he retained until his death in 1942. Carlson was a successful banker and prominent in local civic, political, and religious activities. He constructed a Queen Anne residence for his family home in 1899 and lived there until his death. The house was designed by the St. Paul architect Augustus F. Gauger, who was one of St. Paul's earliest and most prolific architects. He is known to have designed numerous schools, churches, commercial buildings, and residences in Minnesota, as well as several courthouses outside the state. The Carlson House, one of the few architect-designed residences in Chisago County, reflects the status and success achievable by a prominent leader in a successful railroad community at the turn of the century.