December 31, 2009: St. Clair Avenue/Linwood Avenue Architectural Hike (St. Paul)

Join the hiking group for a hike through the St. Clair/Osceola/Linwood/Lower Crocus Hill section of St. Paul to view some of the interesting architecture of the area. When Minnesota became a state in 1858, the area covered by much of the hike, including the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood, was part of the Fort Snelling military reserve. This area, known as Reserve Township, was not annexed by the City of Saint Paul until 1887. The Macalester-Groveland neighborhood is home to several post-secondary institutions, many of which date back to before a majority of the area was settled. In 1884, Macalester College, founded by Rev. Edward Duffield Neill in 1874, moved to its present site at Grand and Snelling Avenues. A majority of homes in the Macalester-Groveland area date back to the era between 1915 and the late 1920's, when streetcar use was in its prime. In 1887, this area was expanding rapidly because a streetcar line to Fort Snelling was proposed along Fort Road. Edward Duffield Neill (1823-1893) also was the founder of the St. Paul public school system, was one of the founders of the Minnesota Historical society, was a secretary to President Lincoln, and was appointed by President Grant as Consul to Dublin in 1869.

If driving:Take I-94 into St. Paul and exit on Lexington Avenue. Go south on Lexington Avenue to Summit Avenue and turn east (left) on Summit Avenue. Proceed on Summit Avenue 1/2 mile to Victoria Street and turn south (right). Proceed on Victoria Street until it ends at St. Clair Avenue and turn east (left). Proceed on St. Clair Avenue across the I-35E bridge to the St. Clair Recreation Center, at St. Clair Avenue and Oneida Street, about 2 1/2 blocks beyond (east of) the bridge over the freeway. Park in the recreation center parking lot, 265 South Oneida Street.

If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 70. The closest bus service point appears to be the corner of St. Clair Avenue and Oneida Street. Applicable Metro Transit Map / Bus Schedule information

The group will reconvene at a nearby restaurant after the hike for dinner or dessert.

Map To The Hike:

Map to hike starting point: 265 Oneida St
St Paul, MN 55102-2864

Hike Directions and Map:

Linwood/Lower Crocus Hill Hike Directions

Linwood/Lower Crocus Hill Hike Map

Architectural Information Relating To The Hike:

Linwood/Lower Crocus Hill Hike, Part 1 (East)

Linwood/Lower Crocus Hill Hike, Part 2 (West)

Achitectural Style Notes I

Achitectural Style Notes II

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This page was last updated on November 23, 2009.