With "Father of Waters" seemingly unfazed, spectators gathered Monday in the atrium of Minneapolis City Hall to mark the 125th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the single building that once housed the city's seat of government and the Hennepin County Courthouse. The sculpture was originally built for New Orleans, but that city could not afford the estimated $40,000 price. Thus, the artwork was presented to Minneapolis in 1904.
![The City County Chorus welcomed attendees.]At the 125th Anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the Minneapolis City Hall and Hennepin County Courthouse, which was originally built between 1887 and 1906 on the site of the first public school west of the Mississippi. The building is constructed out of granite blocks from Ortonville, Minnesota.Richard Tsong-taatarii@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/7WUFJPLWJMBDKHQHC2SXI55W3M.jpg?&w=1080)