Historical Water bodies on campus

“Early maps of the campus from 1872 show a creek flowing southwest across 14th and 15th Ave, across the East Bank of the University, and finally discharging into the Mississippi River. There appear to have been bridges on the current U of M property over this creek at one time. This creek was named after the original owner of the land and was called appropriately Tuttle’s Creek. Building of the railroad line eventually cut off the creek, decreasing it by more than half its original size by1892. This creek eventually disappeared altogether. The only sign of the creek that remains is a dry gulch between Dinky Town and the East bank of campus (Brick, 1997)."

“There is evidence that the East bank of the University had at least four freshwater springs in the 1800s and early 1900s. One of these springs, the University Spring was located near the banks of Tuttle’s creek behind the S.C.A building. Throughout the spring’s history, its flow was greatly manipulated. It was the only supply of fresh drinking water for that part of town, providing water for an estimated 500 people a day. At one time, a hydraulic arm was used to raise the water from this creek to supply the University with water. Students described the other water sources, including the Mississippi in the late 1890’s as being disease ridden and undrinkable. Students described poorly operating filters in buildings making the spring the only option. Owing to changes on the University grounds, the underground feeders of the spring were diverted and the spring ceased to exist (Ariel, 1984).”

- From pages 8-9, in Burns, M., M. Gullickson, D. Schall. University of Minnesota- East Bank Campus Watershed Management Plan. December 10, 2001

On the Silver Cascade of Tuttle’s Brook

“Our carriage [from St. Paul] to St. Anthony was a light express wagon with more boards across for seats. When we came to University Hill in St. Paul, there were no houses in sight, but oh! What a beautiful place it was! We did enjoy that drive. We stopped at Des Noyers to water the horses. This was a little tavern between the two little towns."

“When we came to the ravine in St. Anthony, with its little cascades, father said, ‘I have not a doubt that the time will come when it will be settled through here.’ We all thought it was very grand of father to take such a long shot as that.”

- Mrs. Mary Harrison, came to St. Anthony 1850. Old Rail Fence Corners, p. 56.

Compiled by Connie Sullivan