Minneapolis, MN
Crews install second, taller metal fence around Minneapolis historic home following 3 fires
New safety efforts put in after arson at historic Stevens Home in Minneapolis
Crews put up a second, taller metallic fence across the 173-year-old John H. Stevens Home in Minnehaha Regional Park after three fires have occurred since August.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (FOX 9) – Part by part, crews put up a second, taller metallic fence across the 173-year-old John H. Stevens Home in Minnehaha Regional Park on Wednesday afternoon.
The historic dwelling is taken into account to be the birthplace of each Minneapolis and Hennepin County however has been the positioning of three separate fires since August. The most recent blaze broke out early Saturday morning whereas the house was nonetheless beneath building from fires on August thirtieth and September twentieth. The September twentieth fireplace was dominated as arson after proof of an accelerant was discovered.
“This isn’t a coincidence. That is three fires, in my thoughts, logically set,” stated Arnie Lemke, who stopped by the scene whereas touring the park.
He believes the home holds an vital place within the metropolis’s historical past, and which will have been a motive for the fires.
“Apparently, there are some that do not like what has occurred…what has developed right here and wish to see one thing else right here,” stated Lemke.
In-built 1849, the historic constructing was dwelling to one of many metropolis’s earliest settlers. It was moved to the park about 40 years in the past and now serves as a museum.
On Saturday, FOX 9 spoke with an area historian in regards to the significance of the house.
“It is a sophisticated story that the home may very well be telling each side of that,” stated Minneapolis historian Karen E. Cooper, “it holds that story about how we bought began as a metropolis…there are some alternate methods to have a look at that as a result of this was Dakota land and since these individuals have been chased out of their land. They have been thrown out of their land. They have been actually not allowed to stay right here,” stated Cooper.
FOX 9 has realized Minneapolis Park Police have taken over the investigation into the fires as of Tuesday night time. Nobody is in custody in reference to the arson fireplace at the moment.