Historic Fort Snelling Revitalization

The Historic Fort Snelling Revitalization created a new interactive and educational space inside the rehabilitated cavalry barracks, initially built in 1904. New exhibits were developed in collaboration with the Minnesota Historical Society and community partners, expanding stories of the military, Dakota Tribes, African Americans, and Japanese Americans. Improvements to the landscape were also made to provide outdoor learning, reflection, and commemoration opportunities. 

Built in 1825, Fort Snelling served various roles during times of conflict. Its initial military objective was to secure the fur trade for American companies, prevent conflicts between the Ojibwe and Dakota Indians, and prevent European settlement in Native American lands. In October 1946, the site was turned over to Veteran Affairs. Buildings 17 and 18 served as an outpatient clinic until the 1960s. Due to the historical and cultural significance of the project site, the Minnesota Historical Society engaged a Tribal Monitor and archeologist throughout construction. It utilized Mortenson’s in-house environmental resources to ensure that this unique site was preserved and protected as necessary for future generations to visit and learn the layered history of Fort Snelling.