Centerville’s quiet charm belies a vibrant past. Picture this small town nestled between two sparkling lakes. Centerville boasts a rich history stretching back centuries.
Long before the arrival of European settlers the land was home to the Dakota people. They thrived in the area’s abundant natural resources. Wild rice game and fish were plentiful. The lakes and waterways offered easy access to the St Croix and Mississippi Rivers. Their canoes glided effortlessly across the water.
Centerville’s past whispers of their presence. Archaeologist Harold Kohlepp discovered over a thousand artifacts. These artifacts are reminders of the Dakota’s way of life. Pottery tools and arrowheads offer a glimpse into their history.
By the late 1700s the Dakota had moved on. French-Canadian settlers arrived finding remnants of the past. Burial grounds and artifacts marked the Dakota’s former presence. They established the town in the mid-1880s. The name Centerville reflects its central location between St Paul Stillwater and Anoka.
In 1850 F W Traves built the first house. Soon after Canadian families arrived. Many of their descendants still live here. In 1854 Peltier LaValle and LaMotte platted the town. On August 11 1857 Centerville officially became a city.
Centerville’s heritage is celebrated annually. The Fete des Lacs festival showcases the town’s French-Canadian roots. The town thrives with its blend of tradition and progress. A strong community spirit shines through. Neighbors help neighbors. The low crime rate adds to its peacefulness.
Today Centerville remains a welcoming community. It cherishes its history. It offers a unique blend of tranquility and history. It is a place where the past and present coexist. A place where the echoes of the Dakota and the spirit of the French-Canadian settlers still resonate.