Main Street History: 3 History Facts About Woodbury

WOODBURY, MN — The first settlers came to the future site of Woodbury in the 1840s, many from Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, Scotland, and Denmark.

Here are some historical facts about Woodbury you may not have known:

1. Woodbury's original name was "Red Rock"

When Minnesota became a state in 1858, the township of "Red Rock" was formed. According to city historians, the town was named after a sacred stone painted by Dakota Chief Little Crow.

The only problem? A year later, the state legislature discovered there was already a Red Rock, Minnesota.

So the town was renamed in 1859 to "Woodbury" to honor Levi Woodbury, a New Hampshire politician.

2. Charles Spangenberg completed his "rock solid" farmstead in Woodbury in 1871. The structure turned 150 years old in 2021.

Charles used horses and oxen to haul the limestone more than 15 miles. The house took two years to build. When complete, Charles and Elizabeth put it to good use, raising 15 children.

3. Woodbury's robust school system

Well before the state formalized education, Woodbury provided quality education to its young residents. According to city historians, settler William Middleton opened the first school in 1855, a few years before Woodbury was officially established.

Between 1852 and 1868, there were seven one-room schools, each boasting around 35 students throughout eight grades.

Some students went on to study at St. Paul College.

What's your favorite thing about Woodbury? Let us know below in the comments!

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