On this Date in Minnesota history: July 29

July 29, 1904 -

Gateway to Red Wing marker in Levee Park

At the time of the Grand Excursion in 1854, the outlet to a small creek afterwards called the Jordan was located near this location and was a safe harbor for canoes. Later this location became the main port of entry because most people arrived to Red Wing either by riverboat and then by train. In 1903, the Red Wing Civic League was organized and their first project was to beautify the riverfront area constructing what is now Levee Park.

On [this date], Mayor A.P. Pierce announced: “Our riverfront will be modeled somewhat after that of which Winona is so justly proud, but will be even more handsome and more imposing by reason of our magnificent background of urban scenery and rustic hills.” The adjacent depot was opened in 1905 and Levee Park was completed in 1906 with a grant from the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul Railroad.

Photos taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain July 29, 2013,
as long as acknowledgement included.