WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN HISTORY AND LOOKUP

County History Books

*None Listed

Washington County, Minnesota: A Genealogical Overview

Located on the eastern edge of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, Washington County is a region rich in Minnesota’s foundational history, defined by the scenic St. Croix River that forms its border with Wisconsin. Known as the “Birthplace of Minnesota” due to the pivotal 1848 convention held in its county seat of Stillwater, the county blends historic river towns built on the lumber boom with rapidly growing modern suburbs. Its history is a classic American story of westward expansion, driven by the vast pine forests to the north and the river that carried that wealth to the nation.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Understanding Washington County’s role as an original territorial county and its origin from the Wisconsin Territory is critical for locating the earliest records of settlers in the region.

  • 1849: County Formed: Washington County was established on October 27, 1849. It was one of the nine original counties created by the first legislature of the newly organized Minnesota Territory.
  • Parent Entity: As an original county of the Minnesota Territory, it was not formed from a preceding Minnesota county. Instead, it was created from lands that were formerly part of St. Croix County, Wisconsin Territory. For records prior to 1849, researchers must consult the records of St. Croix County, Wisconsin Territory.
  • Subsequent County Formations: Washington County was originally much larger, extending far to the north. In 1851, its northern territory was used to create Chisago County. Portions of its original land also later contributed to the formation of Isanti, Anoka, and Kanabec counties.
  • Name Origin: The county was named in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States.
  • County Seat History: Stillwater was designated as the county seat upon the county’s formation in 1849 and has remained the county seat ever since. The historic 1870 courthouse is now a museum and landmark, with modern government functions having moved to the Washington County Government Center.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: The St. Croix River valley was historically the land of the Dakota and Ojibwe (Chippewa) peoples, who used the river as a vital transportation and trade route. The 1837 Treaty of St. Peters, signed with the Ojibwe, ceded the land between the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers to the United States, opening the floodgates for settlement and logging.
  • Pioneer Settlement and Economy: The first significant non-native settlement was driven by the immense white pine forests to the north. The St. Croix River became a highway for logs, and towns like Stillwater and Marine on St. Croix sprang up as major lumber milling centers. The economy was dominated by the logging industry throughout the 19th century. Early settlers were primarily from New England, New York, and Pennsylvania, followed by waves of immigrants from Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Ireland who worked in the mills and established farms on the newly cleared land.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

This section provides practical information for locating ancestral records specific to Washington County.

  • Courthouse: The Washington County Government Center, located at 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater, MN 55082, is the primary repository for county records. The District Court Administrator’s Office holds probate, civil, and criminal court records. Land records (deeds, mortgages) are held by the County Recorder’s office.
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration in Minnesota began in 1908. Records after this date are held by the Minnesota Department of Health. For births prior to 1900 and deaths prior to 1908, registration was inconsistent and kept at the local level. Researchers should check with the Washington County Public Health & Environment department, as these records are the official source for pre-1908 deaths in the county. Some early birth and death records may also be found at the District Court.
    • Marriage Records: Marriage records from 1849 to the present are held by the Washington County Licensing Division at the Government Center. These are among the most complete and valuable records for the county.
  • Libraries with Genealogy Collections:
    • Washington County Historical Society: Located in Stillwater, this is the most crucial resource for local history and family research, holding extensive collections of photographs, family files, city directories, and local newspapers.
    • Minnesota Historical Society (Gale Family Library): Located just across the border in St. Paul, this is the premier institution for Minnesota genealogy. It holds state census records, newspapers on microfilm from across the state, vital records indexes, and an enormous collection of manuscripts and books.
    • Stillwater Public Library: This library maintains a significant collection of materials on local history and genealogy.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Chisago County, MN
    • Anoka County, MN
    • Ramsey County, MN
    • Dakota County, MN
    • Polk County, WI
    • St. Croix County, WI
    • Pierce County, WI

Please share any resources you have and will do lookups or links to resources you are aware of. Thanks