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History
Alexander Faribault
Alexander Faribault, an early fur-trader and entrepreneur, founded the town site in 1852 to take advantage of its scenic qualities, abundant resources, and strategic location. In the 1860's, Faribault gained national recognition as an educational and religious center due in large measure to the efforts of Bishop Henry Whipple in developing a system of interrelated churches and schools. This, along with the establishment of the highly acclaimed State Academies for the Blind and Deaf, led Faribault to be known as "Athens of the West."
Alexander Faribault, an early fur-trader and entrepreneur, founded the town site in 1852 to take advantage of its scenic qualities, abundant resources, and strategic location. In the 1860's, Faribault gained national recognition as an educational and religious center due in large measure to the efforts of Bishop Henry Whipple in developing a system of interrelated churches and schools. This, along with the establishment of the highly acclaimed State Academies for the Blind and Deaf, led Faribault to be known as "Athens of the West."
As the community flourished, a number of homes, churches, and public buildings were constructed with outstanding architectural design features. As a result, Faribault is blessed to contain more than 40 individual properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Heritage Preservation Commission
For more information, please visit the Heritage Preservation Commission website.
Relationship With the City of Wuerzburg, Germany
Mrs. Dorothy Beebe was the motivating force behind relief action for the City of Wuerzburg, Germany following World War II. She called upon her hometown of Faribault, Minnesota and the town responded. Faribault would eventually adopt the city of Wurzburg in 1949.
The 50th Anniversary of that adoption was celebrated in Wuerzburg on April 28, 1999. The 19 Faribault residents who attended the celebration returned with deep admiration of Wuerzburg, its citizens, and the renewed friendship between the 2 cities. The Faribault delegation also found a new source of pride in their hometown.
Heritage Preservation Commission
For more information, please visit the Heritage Preservation Commission website.
Relationship With the City of Wuerzburg, Germany
Mrs. Dorothy Beebe was the motivating force behind relief action for the City of Wuerzburg, Germany following World War II. She called upon her hometown of Faribault, Minnesota and the town responded. Faribault would eventually adopt the city of Wurzburg in 1949.
The 50th Anniversary of that adoption was celebrated in Wuerzburg on April 28, 1999. The 19 Faribault residents who attended the celebration returned with deep admiration of Wuerzburg, its citizens, and the renewed friendship between the 2 cities. The Faribault delegation also found a new source of pride in their hometown.