Who Is Pierre Bottineau? Three Rivers Park District Has Answers
This Saturday, history enthusiasts will have a chance to learn more about a unique part of Minnesota’s heritage. At the Pierre Bottineau house in Maple Grove, visitors will get a peek into one of the region’s earliest settlers.
The house has seen many addresses since it was built in 1854.
While Elm Creek Park Reserve is its current location, the historic house moved multiple times. Historical interpreter Mike Murray said its current location reflects what it would’ve looked like in its original spot back in the 1850s.
Pierre Bottineau’s house now sits in Elm Creek Park Reserve.
Murray also said preserving this house is a good way to preserve Pierre Bottineau’s legacy. He was a guide, fur trader and a pioneer in many cities, including Osseo.
“Pierre is one of those people who that, without a place, maybe would disappear if there was just an avenue named after him,” Murray said. “He was kind of one of the first… geneses of Osseo and the Maple Grove area.”
“Bridging Two Worlds”
Many have seen Bottineau’s house along the trail or at its previous locations. However, people don’t always take note of its historical impact. Through “Bridging Two Worlds: George Bonga of 1837,” historical interpeters hope to educate on people like Bottineau.
George Bonga, the subject of Joel Brown’s talk, was Métis, people of mixed Indigenous and European descent. Bottineau was also Métis, born a blend of French Canadian, Dakota and Ojibwe heritage.
The event on Saturday, June 15, begins with Brown’s presentation from 1-2 p.m. at Elm Creek Park Reserve. The Pierre Bottineau house will be open for guests to tour after. Tickets can be purchased on Three Rivers’ website.
Murray said learning historical stories like these help teach us more about our own culture.
“These are all of our stories in many ways,” Murray said. “It’s kind of who we are as a Minnesotan.”
