Whose view? From where? — January 2012

We're pleased to report last month's view produced more responses than any so far in the four and a half year history of WVFW. (A welcome change from the previous months of zero correct guesses.) Though this is among the most culturally significant sites in the Twin Cities river corridor, we weren't sure how many people would respond as this view has been removed from easy public view for some time. Yet, collectively, you shared all the key facts about the site, from its location to its history and future.

That would be the reservoir/springhouse at Coldwater Springs, on the former Bureau of Mines property currently undergoing demolition and redevelopment as a new National Park Service park near Fort Snelling.
— Doug Mensing

I believe this is Coldwater Spring just north of Fort Snelling... It is where the Fort got its water, and, before that, where the local Indians got their water.
— Eric Otterness

This picture is from the Coldwater unit just south of Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis. I helped do some native planting there last summer with the National Park Service. They are protecting a natural cold-water spring that runs into the Mississippi River. They have removed the old Bureau of Mines buildings and are returning the site to natural prairie.
— Linus Mickus

When it reopens to the public, Coldwater will be far and away the National Park Service's most significant holding in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, by both acreage and cultural significance. As a result, many of you were markedly enthusiastic about the site's transformation:

I'm so excited that the National Park Service has acquired Coldwater, a key piece of historic land by the old Bureau of Mines buildings (and current Vets Administration). Once Coldwater is spruced up, it'll help connect more green space, which is good for all of us who love walking, biking, birding, and exploring.
— Kate Havelin

The entire site is currently being converted to an oak savanna, and I'm really looking forward to working there more. Very beautiful indeed.
— Kinell Tackett

It's Coldwater Spring! The new National Park Service site on the Mississippi River!
— Emily Shively

In his response, Frank Bowden made note of the National Park Service webpage on the project, featuring an overview of Coldwater's history, updates on restoration work, and links to an interactive set of panoramas that document the restoration of the site.

Others noted Coldwater's significance to Native American communities, while also noting some opposition from some Native Americans to the National Park Service's involvement and plans for the site:

This is Coldwater Spring, of course, in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area...and soon to get a restoration! Very happy about that, although its addition to National Park lands is contentious to the Native Americans who have valued the significance of the spring and the river for a very long time, and from who we can learn so much more about this special place.
— Amy

This was the site of the encampment of the first U.S. soldiers stationed in Minnesota while the fort was under construction. More importantly, it was a sacred site for the Dakota and other native peoples long before Zebulon Pike arrived. The NPS is proceeding with a reconstruction of the area, not without controversy. The Friends of Coldwater's website is a good resource on the site and the current issues. — John Heine

Finally, many noted that the National Park Service's restoration program has meant the site has had much of its existing vegetation removed, as new vegetation is planted to take its place:

My first thought was Coldwater Spring. It looks like the pump house and the pond, although the vegetation looks overgrown from what it is at the present.
— Barbara Gibson

The January 2012 photo is of Coldwater Spring near Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. It is currently being ‘redeveloped and no longer looks like this.
— Louisa Keleher

Thanks as well to correct guesses from Jonathan Riehle, Mary MacDonald and Gary Fifield!

About Whose view? From where?

Each month in this section, we feature a photo somewhere along the river corridor in the Twin Cities that is in some way significant or important or just plain scenic. Individuals may then e-mail us and identify the view and explain why they believe it is significant to the community or important to them personally. Well publish some of your responses in the next issue of Mississippi Messages, where we will also reveal the correct answer.

To submit your guess and response, e-mail Bob Spaulding, River Advocate, through our contact form. The respondent to provide the first correct identification of the view and hopefully some interesting thoughts about its significance will receive a valuable prize for their effort. All entries must be received by the first day of the following month for consideration.