History of New Brighton

Learn more about New Brighton through the ages.

Select images for larger view.

November 1, 1849

The Minnesota Territorial Legislature adopted a law which provided that each township containing 10 or more families could be divided into two or more school districts.

1849

Charles Perry purchased 89 acres at Lake Johanna, becoming the first settler in what was to become Mounds View Township.

August 15, 1851

First birth recorded in what was to become Mounds View Township: Damis Perry, daughter of Charles and Aurelia Perry.

November 13, 1854

First to die in what was to become Mounds View Township: George Perry, son of Charles and Aurelia Perry, born November 13, 1854, died in February 1856.

May 11, 1858

Mounds View Township established. In 1860 the population was 99, in 1875, it was 295, and 1880, it was 575.

February 12, 1868

School District Number 18 (New Brighton School), was organized by Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.

March 10, 1883

Minnesota Transfer Railroad Company organized, which had connections with other railroads for receiving and handling of livestock, and which led to the development of the stockyards industry in New Brighton.

June 30, 1886

Saint Paul Union Stockyards was announced and financing arranged.

Spring, 1887

The village of New Brighton was surveyed, lots were platted and the streets laid out.

September 30, 1887

The first trainload of cattle arrived at the South St. Paul stockyards.

October 22, 1889

Twin City Packing Company, the first packing company to do business at the New Brighton stockyards, began its operation.

July 4, 1892

Minneapolis Stock Yards and Packing Company was organized in New Brighton.

September 5, 1892

Congregational Church in New Brighton was founded and still exists today as United Church of Christ.

January 20, 1891

Village of New Brighton was incorporated.

June 14, 1897

Plans and specifications for the new Village Hall were approved by the Village Council.

March 1, 1898

The new Village Hall had its first scheduled event, a dance, in its facilities.

July 4, 1891

First of many 4th of July celebrations for New Brighton.

November 12, 1900

Minneapolis Journal announces that the packing houses would close.

1927

Aerial view of New Brighton area.

October 12, 1929

First New Brighton Squash Show was held (this photo was taken many years later).

November 11, 1940

Armistice Day blizzard of 15 to 21 inches in New Brighton, stranding many motorists who stayed in the Village Hall or private homes in New Brighton.

August 28, 1941

Groundbreaking for arsenal by Federal Cartridge Corporation (TCOP) in Mounds View area of Mounds View Township.

September 19, 1942

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt made a surprise visit to TCOP.

August 13, 1949

Old Timers Night annual celebration began and continued until 1964.

February 13, 1952

Village of Arden Hills was incorporated.

June 1951

Voters determined that all nine elementary school districts in the area become consolidated into the Mounds View School District.

1955

Aerial view of New Brighton area.

May 31, 1956

The first graduating class at Mounds View High School, which opened in 1954.

1960

Aerial view of New Brighton area.

July 4, 1964

New Brighton Jaycees began offering Fourth of July activities that continued through the 1970s.

July 20, 1966

Village of New Brighton reached its 75th anniversary.

January 4, 1974

Village of New Brighton becomes City of New Brighton.

April 24, 1980

New Brighton Area Historical Society was founded.

July 4, 1981

New Brighton Stockyard Days activities began; first a joint effort between the New Brighton Area Historical Society and the New Brighton Jaycees, highlighted by steam engine Number 328 that provided rides for thousands of attendees.

July 4, 1983

Stockyard Days was incorporated and 12 New Brighton civic groups sponsored events.

January 1, 1987

New Brighton celebrates the Centennial of the town platting.

January 1, 1991

New Brighton celebrates the Centennial of its incorporation.

August 22, 1995

New Brighton History Center was dedicated in Long Lake Park, New Brighton. Mayor Bob Benke on step-stool, Senator Steve Novak on caboose, President Joyce Kloncz.

April 28, 2005

New Brighton Area Historical Society celebrates 25 years as an organization.

April 23, 2015

New Brighton Area Historical Society celebrates 35 years as an organization.

June 5, 2016

Annual Rhubarb Fest (at which the renovated 1950 Great Northern caboose was dedicated).