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The Birthplace of Minnesota: Washington County Real Estate
Washington County, named for the United States’ first president, was one of the original nine counties in the Minnesota Territory founded on October 27, 1849. The early beginnings of Washington County real estate began alongside the St. Croix River, which forms its eastern boundary, dividing it from Michigan. The river allowed the developing communities to create a successful logging industry from the thick forests surrounding it. The economy became reliant on the logging and lumber that the river afforded the county and its villages. When the lumber was depleted, the county turned to agriculture, which it shares with the Twin Cities to this day.
The first town and county seat was called Dacotah, which was located in the northern part of modern-day Stillwater. Stillwater sawmills on the St. Croix River attracted settlers from Dacotah. The population shift led to a change in the county seat. Stillwater has remained the county seat since 1846. Stillwater has had a significant role in the development of Minnesota as a state because, at the time of the county seat change, the area still belonged to the Wisconsin Territory. Once Wisconsin became a state in 1848, the leaders of the community declared that a new territory should be created, called “Minnesota.” As such, Stillwater is called the “birthplace of Minnesota.”
Washington County real estate accommodates 238,136 residents. The county has twenty-seven cities and six townships. Woodbury is its largest city with about 54,635 people. Woodbury is known for its neighborhood appeal and housing variety, as well as its commercial community, which includes businesses like The Hartford, Target.com, Assurant, and Long Term Care Group. The prosperity of Washington County’s economy has had an impact on Woodbury’s growth, and it has also spurred an increase in real estate listings in Cottage Grove and Oakdale. Overall, Washington County provides the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area with natural, industrial, commercial, and agricultural resources.
Washington County real estate has access to eight parks, which are filled with lakes, wetlands, woodlands, and two river valleys with national importance. The county’s natural assets give vacationers and residents a chance to indulge in the land’s beauty through swimming, camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and in-line skating. Two federally-protected areas have part of their lands within Washington County’s boundaries: the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. Both include acres of breathtaking outdoor scenery, as well as water-related activities (such as fishing, swimming, and tubing). Park rangers provide educational opportunities to learn about the history behind the sites.
The area is a prime place for new or expanding companies, providing anyone looking for Washington County real estate with ample opportunity to pursue their dream career or climb the ladder to success. The county has made a commitment to nurture and encourage the growth of its citizens and the businesses within its boundaries, as well as maintain the native splendor of its landscape and lakes. Washington County has something for everyone.