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Public Input Process

Several people gathered around a table in conversation.

Join a statewide conversation

Please join a conversation about the name of Historic Fort Snelling. While the name of the 1820s fort will remain Fort Snelling, MNHS wants to know: what do you think the 23-acre historic site should be called?

Construction to create a revitalized historic site begins soon, and our vision is to provide a place to learn, share, and connect to all of the complex stories that shape our history in Minnesota.

The stories shared at Historic Fort Snelling include multiple eras and perspectives — enabling more Minnesotans to see their own history reflected there. These include expanded stories of soldiers, veterans and their families, enslaved and free African Americans, Japanese Americans, and Native Americans who have lived in the area for 10,000 years.

Does this name “Historic Fort Snelling” reflect the history of the place, and the many different people who have crossed paths there throughout time?

Contribute to the conversation through this survey and at upcoming public meetings through November 15, 2019.

Transcript | Watch video Historic Fort Snelling Public Input Process on Vimeo

23-acre historic site

Map of the 23-acre MNHS property, currently called Historic Fort Snelling. The map contains the 1820s fort structure in the context of the larger historic site.

The name of the 1820s fort will remain Fort Snelling. MNHS wants to know: what do you think the 23-acre historic site should be called?

Share your thoughts

Take the survey

Attend a public meeting

MNHS is holding meetings throughout the state where the public is invited to provide input on whether the current name of Historic Fort Snelling adequately reflects the expanded stories being shared there.

Monday, September 30, 2019, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Rochester, MN | More details

Thursday, October 3, 2019, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Duluth, MN | More details

Monday, October 7, 2019, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Brooklyn Park, MN | More details

Thursday, October 10, 2019, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, St. Cloud, MN | More details

Monday, October 14, 2019, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, St. Paul, MN | More details

Thursday, October 17, 2019, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Redwood Falls, MN | More details

Did you know?

Fort Snelling vs. Historic Fort Snelling

  1. Fort Snelling (the 1820s fort) sits on four acres and was initially named Fort St. Anthony. The name of the fort itself will not change; it will remain Fort Snelling.
  2. Historic Fort Snelling includes the fort and sits on 23 acres of land at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, known as Bdote in the Dakota language. The name Historic Fort Snelling was officially adopted in 1993.
  3. Historic Fort Snelling is being revitalized. Visitors now learn and experience stories of many who’ve crossed paths there:
    • Soldiers, veterans, and their families, from the 19th century to today
    • Enslaved and free African Americans
    • Japanese Americans during World War II
    • Native Americans who have lived in the area for 10,000 years
  4. A new visitor center and new landscaping with outdoor learning is coming in 2022.

About the process

MNHS invites the public to provide input around naming at Historic Fort Snelling.

Participants can use the survey on this page through November 15, 2019, and/or attend a scheduled public meeting.

Following community input, the MNHS governing board will consider the findings and determine a course of action by early 2020. Should the board recommend a name change, it would then be presented to the Minnesota Legislature for consideration.

Questions?

Email
naming@mnhs.org

Call
651-259-3470

Write
Public Input Process
Minnesota Historical Society
345 West Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102