HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 03-02 Edward Phalen – Namesake for Lake Phalen MAPLEWOOD REVIEW3/16/2016 Edward Phalen — Namesake for Lake Phalen I Lillie Suburban Newspapers - LillieNews.com
Edward Phalen -Namesake
for Lake Phalen
Submitted by admin on Wed, 03/02/2016 - 12:00am
Canoeing on C...a. k 11laa/en has been a popular pastime for generations,
I lere two women are enjoying a beautiful day on the water t r lay 1915,
(submitted photo)
Lake Phalen is named for Phalen Creek that flows out the south end of the lake. Edward Phalen was a former soldier that
settled along a creek that flowed between Phalen Lake and the Mississippi River. In 1838, he was discharged from Fort
Snelling. He took a series of claims around St. Paul and lived in a cabin about a mile away from the other settlers.
In September 1839, Phalen was accused of murdering John Hays, his partner in the claim business. John Hays' body was
found near Carver's cave and at first it was rumored that the chiefWa-kin-yan-ton-ka was responsible. However, people at
the time thought Phalen was the culprit and he was charged with murder and sent to Prairie du Chien. He was sent there
because the crime was committed in Wisconsin Territory. Despite the suspicions, Phalen was acquitted due to a lack of
evidence. When he returned he settled on Phalen Creek.
Eventually Phalen left for the gold fields of California and was killed by his companions in whatthey called an act of self-
defense along the route. A prominent local historian of the late 1800's considered it a disgrace to have the lake from which St.
Paul received its water supply named after a "brutal murderer."
The 60 Stories Project is a collaboration between Maplewood Area Historical Society and the Maplewood Heritage
Preservation Commission. For more stories, visitwww.mapiewoodMN.gov/60stories.
http://www. bul I eti n-news.com/articles/2016/03/02/edward-phalen-%E2%80%93-nam esake-lake-phal en 1/2
3/16/2016 Edward Phalen — Namesake for Lake Phalen I Lillie Suburban Newspapers - LillieNews.com
http://www.bulIetin-news.com/articles/2016/03/02/edward-phalen-%E2%80%93-namesake-lake-phalen 2/2