Years before Minnesota became a state in 1858, hopeful land speculators designed a plan for a town named Plymouth, built on the northwest shore of Parkers Lake.
A gristmill and other structures were raised, but a flood in 1857 destroyed the fledgling pioneer town.Settlers continued to arrive, though, setting up homesteads in the 36 square miles of Township 118. By the time Hennepin County commissioners christened the township Plymouth, over 400 citizens resided within its borders. Over the next century, this close-knit farming community, located just 12 miles from downtown Minneapolis, maintained its rural roots. Urbanization finally took hold in 1972 when Plymouth installed its first traffic light. Now the seventh-largest city in Minnesota, Plymouth reflects a newly diverse and dynamic American suburb where industrial, residential, and recreational areas converge. This book aims to bridge Plymouth's past with its present, connecting the city's newest pioneers with those who founded it so many years ago.
Sarah Winans is a resident of Plymouth and a volunteer with the Plymouth Historical Society. She is an award-winning educator with experience making history accessible to people of all ages. Natasha Thoreson is the historic site manager for the City of Plymouth. She directs operations at the Plymouth Historical Society, helping to discover, preserve, and share the history of Plymouth, Minnesota.