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City Tour of Plymouth
History of Plymouth
Plymouth's history can be traced back to the pre-Colombian period, 1400-1500
AD. The original inhabitants were the Dakota. Their encampment was at
the north end of Medicine Lake. Medicine Lake is derived from the Native
American word "Mdewakan," meaning "Lake of the Spirit."
The Dakota named it after a warrior overturned his canoe and his body
was never recovered.
Antoine LeCounte, a guide and explorer, was the first settler to this
area. He arrived in 1848, but did not settle until 1852. He carried mail
from the Red River country to points south, trading goods to Native Americans
for horses on the way. LeCounte built the first cabin at what is now East
Medicine Lake Blvd. at 29th Ave. N. Plymouth's beginning as a town occurred
in 1855 on the northwest shores of what is now known as Parkers Lake.
A gristmill and other structures were built in the area. In the spring
of 1857, when Parkers Lake flooded, the mill was taken down and moved
to Freeport, Minnesota. Freeport is now called Wayzata.
As new settlers came to the area, they decided to organize. The Hennepin
County Board of Commissioners named the new settlement Plymouth. On April
19, 1858, a group of townspeople met at the home of Francis Day to open
elections for town offices. On May 11, 1858, the group voted to change
the town's name to Medicine Lake. This was used once at the town meeting,
but for reasons, which were not recorded, it was never used again.
In 1862, during the conflict between white settlers and the Dakota at
Fort Ridgeley, near New Ulm, the settlers of Plymouth formed a militia.
When the Civil War started, Plymouth paid its volunteers $25 to enlist.
At about this time, Plymouth's growth began to take on a new look. Schools
and churches were built and a post office was located in Plymouth. By
1863, hotels were being built.
More changes occurred after the Civil War. By 1880, Plymouth boasted
a population of 1,074, and reaped $667 in annual taxes. Farming became
the trade of most settlers. Roads were built across Plymouth, making access
to other towns possible. Medicine Lake had become a major tourist attraction
and resorts were built around its shores.
Local Government
As the character of the community evolved, so did local government. Plymouth
incorporated as a village on May 18, 1955. The City adopted the Council-Manager
form of government on Aug. 1, 1968. Plymouth became a statutory city on
Feb. 7, 1974. It remained a statutory city until voters opted to make
it a home rule charter city by adopting a City Charter on Nov. 3, 1992.
The City Charter went into effect on Jan. 1, 1993. The Charter continued
the Council-Manager form of government, and increased the size of the
City Council. Prior to the adoption of the Charter, the City Council was
made up of five members elected at-large. The Charter increased the Council
to seven members elected from four wards.
Plymouth has built a reputation as a quality community in which to live
and work. Its lakes and rolling terrain provide the backdrop for a blend
of well-planned residential, business and commercial-industrial areas.
Citizens and community leaders have placed a high priority on establishing
a first-rate park system, interconnecting trails and diverse recreation
facilities. As the community has matured, the City has worked with citizens
to permanently preserve natural open-spaces, nurture the arts and protect
the environment.
Plymouth Links
City of Plymouth
Wayzata area Schools
Robbinsdale area Schools
Osseo area Schools
Hopkins School District |
