Henry Mower Rice

Biography

Henry Mower Rice built his life beside Minnesota's great rivers, arriving as a fur trader and liaison among frontier communities. He parlayed those relationships into leadership as the territory's delegate to Congress, arguing passionately for the institutions and infrastructure that would allow Minnesota to become a state.

As one of Minnesota's first U.S. Senators he worked tirelessly to secure railroads, fair land policies, and respectful dialogue, earning trust across the region. His steady voice shaped the young state's course, leaving a legacy of civic responsibility and inclusive progress.