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Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting <br />Elk River City Hall <br />May 20, 2021 <br />5.4 First Settler in Elk River, David Faribault <br /> <br />Chair Lindberg stated he was contacted through Mayor John Dietz to talk to Ron <br />Wilkes, who had emailed Mayor Dietz about the first Elk River settler in 1846. David <br />Frederic Faribault, son of French-Canadian fur trader Jean-Baptiste Faribault built a <br />trading post near the conjunction of the Elk and Mississippi Rivers in 1846, which he <br />later sold in 1848, to French trader and guide Pierre Bottineau. The trading post <br />stood on a bluff just east of the present-day bridge across the Elk River on Main <br />Street. He was requesting some sort of recognition or plaque to commemorate where <br />Elk River had one of its first settlers. <br /> <br />Commissioner Mauren explained the site he is referring to is the future site of the <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities field services building. He thought it was possible to <br />discuss placing something noting the historical nature of the site. <br /> <br />Mr. Carlton asked about any photos available to incorporate into a plaque. He stated <br />he would be happy to begin conversations with ERMU to discuss placement of a <br />plaque referencing the first trading post and cost. He will have that information <br />available for discussion at the July HPC meeting. <br /> <br />The commission discussed the water tower site design and plaque, and a vacant lot <br />near the site for sale. <br /> <br />Ron Wilkes arrived to discuss his request for a historical marker, a statue of David <br />Faribault, and located at the site on the Sherman Sachs Riverside Tavern. He stated if <br />not a statue, a marker noting, “this is the original site of the original trading post <br />founded in 1846 for the founding of Elk River by David Faribault.” He stated the <br />Star News did some articles in the 90s from a relative of Mr. Faribault’s which would <br />provide more information. <br /> <br />6. Adjournment <br /> <br />There being no further business, Chair Lindberg adjourned the meeting of the Elk <br />River Heritage Preservation Commission at 7:11 p.m. <br /> <br />Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Tina Allard <br />City Clerk <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Lance Lindberg <br />Heritage Preservation Commission Chair