Last month we revealed the identity of the people for whom our Minneapolis streets were named, starting with A for Aldrich, and ending at L for Logan. Now we have the rest of the alphabet. All pictures were found, except for the O — Oliver Avenue. Evidently Deacon and Mrs. A.M. Oliver were camera shy. Not to worry, though. I found some stand-ins for them!
Morgan Ave.—named for Colonel George Nelson Morgan (1825-1866). He was born in Canada, then moved to Minnesota and took up shipbuilding. He joined the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry in 1856 and advanced from private to colonel, commanding the troops at the Battle of Fredericksburg during the Civil War. Later, he was a commander at Fort Snelling and was promoted to brigadier general in 1865.
Newton Ave.—named for Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1726). He was an English natural philosopher who studied at Trinity College in Cambridge, learning about geometry and optics, then applied himself to grinding glass for telescopes. He came up with his theory of light and colors, and shortly after, his grand discovery of the law of gravitation.
Oliver Ave.—named for Deacon A.M. Oliver (??-??). He was a pioneer who came here from Missouri. He platted a claim known as “Oliver’s Park Addition.” Having been a deacon of the Presbyterian Church in Missouri, his wife, as a widow, made generous donations to Oliver Presbyterian Church in south Minneapolis and to Macalester College.
Penn Ave.—named for William Penn (1644-1718). He was born in London, turned Quaker, then was arrested several times for preaching, but found not guilty. In 1681 he obtained from the crown, in lieu of money owed his father, a grant of the province in North America. Charles II proposed the name of Pennsylvania. For Penn’s new acquisition he proclaimed universal tolerance, democratic government and a charter of liberties.
Queen Ave.—this could be any queen, your choice.
Russell Ave.—named for Roswell P. Russell (1820-1896). He was an honored pioneer who came to Fort Snelling in 1839 and opened the first store in the old city of St. Anthony in 1847. He was the Receiver of the U.S. Land Office from 1854-1857.
Sheridan Ave.—named for General Phillip Henry Sheridan (1820-1891). He was a Civil War hero from Albany, N.Y. who graduated from West Point in 1853 and fought in many battles. He was appointed brigadier-general, then major-general in the same year of 1864. Congress commended him for gallantry, military skill and courage in his brilliant series of victories. He helped end the Civil War by cutting off Confederate Robert E. Lee’s retreat from the Battle of Appomattox.
Thomas Ave.—named for George Henry Thomas (1816-1870). He was a Civil War General for the Union Army. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1836 and took part in countless battles from 1840 until his death. He was noted for saving the Union Army from utter defeat at Chickamauga and gained the nation’s gratitude.
Upton Ave.—named for General Emory Upton (1839-1881). He was also a Civil War General for the Union Army, graduating from the U.S. Military Academy in 1861. He participated in the battle of Bull Run and other campaigns. He was promoted to major-general in 1865 and lieutenant-colonel the following year. He originated specific military tactics, written in several books, and was Commandant of Cadets at West Point—1870-1875.
Vincent Ave.—named for Thomas M. Vincent (1832-1909). He graduated from West Point in 1853 and was the assistant Adjutant-General of the U.S. through the Civil War.
Washburn Ave.—named for Governor Cadwallader C. Washburn (1818-1882) and brother, William D. Washburn (1831-1912). Both were founders of the Washburn-Crosby Co. which later became General Mills. C.C. Washburn was Governor of Wisconsin from 1872-1873. W.D. Washburn had been a Minnesota senator and played a major role in founding the Minneapolis and St. Louis and Soo Line railroads. Both had tremendous influence on the early political and economic life of Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota.
Xerxes, York and Zenith—named for no one in particular—just filling in the last of the alphabet. You could have fun by making up your own names!
Note: Taken from 1969 Minnesota Geographic Names by Warren Upham and Times Encyclopedia and Gazetteer, copyright 1935. Pictures reproduced by Bill Harrison.