Stillwater is a city in Stillwater County, Minnesota. It’s located on the west bank of the St. Croix River at its confluence with the Mississippi River. Stillwater has a population of 18,595 as of 2015.
The city of Stillwater was originally built on a floodplain between the rivers and hills near where they meet for trade and transportation needs. The water power from both rivers were used to generate electricity for the city’s industry. The community’s first business was a woolen mill established by William R. Eastman, son of General Samuel S. Eastman.
The city later became known as the home for prominent figures in 19th century Minnesota history, including Henry Hastings Sibley, first governor of the state.
The city was originally known as “East Stillwater,” but the name changed to “Stillwater” soon after Minnesota’s statehood. In April 1888, a massive fire broke out at the Fargher Tobacco Warehouse, which at the time contained more than 300,000 pounds of tobacco. The fire spread quickly and completely destroyed 18 buildings in the business district of the town.
