The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota (PAM) has released its 2008 list of the ten most endangered historic places, and the heart of Bridgeland is among them. The entry is not a single structure or place, but the “archaeological resources” along the Minneapolis riverfront.

The releases the list to spotlight historic properties “that face imminent danger through demolition, neglect, severe alteration, or inappropriate public policy,” states a release from PAM Executive Director Bonnie McDonald. The riverfront district’s designation is unique because the broad area includes resources, such as the Mill City Museum and Mill Ruins Park, that have been preserved. Other resources remain buried, however, and are threatened by construction projects.

Here is the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota’s description of the area:

The St. Anthony Falls Historic District in Minneapolis spans both banks of the Mississippi River, including several islands in the channel. The district’s historic properties are the legacy of the early history of city, including the water-powered industrial development fed by the falls. Significant archaeological resources in the area have been documented and are visible at such sites as Mill Ruins Park and the Mill City Museum, but equally significant artifacts and ruins lie buried throughout the district. Some correspond with extant historic structures; others contain the history of structures long demolished and activities long forgotten.

As a prominent local landmark long before Father Hennepin’s visit in 1680, the archaeological record of the falls district is fragile, but holds the source material for a deeper understanding of Minnesota history. However, construction projects on both public and private land constitute an ongoing threat to the district’s archaeological record. As in a forensic investigation, the meaning and significance of artifacts and related data are entirely dependent on their context. If they are disturbed without proper documentation, their value will be irretrievably lost.

The program has highlighted 122 properties in the state so far; a full listing of previous “ten most endangered” properties, and more information about PAM can be found at www.mnpreservation.org.

last revised: May 2, 2008

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