The State of Minnesota authorizes local governments to engage in a comprehensive program of historic preservation.  The governing body of a city may establish a heritage preservation commission to preserve and promote its historic resources including, but not limited to, the survey and designation of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects that are of historical, architectural, archaeological engineering, or cultural significance. 

In 1980, the Stillwater City Council adopted Ordinance No. 720, declaring that the preservation, protection, perpetuation and use of areas, places, buildings, structures and other objects having a special historical, community or aesthetic interest or value is a public necessity and is required in the interest of the health, prosperity safety and welfare of the community.  The ordinance created the Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC).

The Stillwater HPC actively works with federal, state and local partners – including homeowners – on the preservation of Stillwater’s historic resources and neighborhoods.  This is done through a variety of activities including property surveying,  design review and permitting, and managing different types of districts (Historic and other). 

To learn more about the City’s long-term historic preservation goals, please visit the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Historic Resources Chapter.

Historic Information Resources

Library’s St. Croix Collection
Washington County Historical Society
Washington County Historical Society Name Index
Minnesota Digital Library Historic Photographs
Library of Congress Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps