2008 Historic Preservation Success Stories!

Martineau House - St John, Rolette County

The Martineau House is the official Visitor Center of the Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway. It is a National Register of Historic Sites property owned by the Rolette County Historical Society. This successful restoration and adaptive re-use is due to a partnership with the City of St. John. Working together, they secured over $65,000.00 in grant money for the building restoration and grounds beautification.

The restoration required lifting the structure off the original foundation. After 100 years, the original log foundation had disintegrated and the building was sitting on packed earth. A poured concrete foundation replaced the logs on the original site. New landscaping was completed with appropriate plants and a historically accurate picket fence. Unique architectural features were restored, including the front porch and gingerbread trim; historically accurate doors, windows, shingles and siding were installed and painted in period colors. The interior restoration included a new heating and cooling system, restroom facilities, electrical wiring, and restoration of the woodwork and floors. The building is now also handicap accessible.

In addition to its architectural significance, the Martineau House is associated with one of St. John's most famous residents. Fortunat Martineau was an early North Dakota settler, dedicated merchant, and community developer. He also built the first telephone system outside of the Red River Valley.

The Visitors Center is the only surviving structure of many built by the Martineaus in St. John. It was built in 1899 as a tenant home and temporary family residence next door to his primary dwelling. The Martineau House is the oldest surviving structure in St. John.