Exploring The Jordan Historical Caves: A Journey Through Time
Nestled within the heart of Jordan MN, our Strains of the Earth retail space offers more than just services tailored to your holistic needs, but also a unique glimpse into the past. This architectural gem, first built in the 1800’s, has stood the test of time, serving various purposes over the years. We invite those who love history, adventure, traveling, and exploring, to visit us for an unforgettable and historical journey through time.
A Brewery’s Beginnings: The 1863 Foundation
Frank Nicolin built and owned the structure in 1863, which he named “The Jordan Brewery”, to serve as a bustling brewery in the heart of the city. The location seemed ideal for a thriving brewery offering easy access to barley fields, water sources, and during the winter lots of ice which could be used in storing the barrels of aging beer. Shortly before his passing in 1867 Frank sold “The Jordan Brewery” to Sebastian Gehring and Frank Paier who ran the business for almost 20 years. The brewery was named “Sand Creek Brewing”, contributing to the local economy and community. In 1885 the brewery was sold to Peter Shultz and Peter Hilgers.
After cementing their names in the brewery’s legacy as the “Schultz and Hilgers” brewery, this era saw significant developmentsThe brewery produced more than 40,000 barrels of beer annually once it was up and running. Beer was sold by the barrel and delivered in famous large brewery wagons pulled by horses in teams of four and six weighing at least 1700 pounds! The Brewery provided many saloons with their beer delivering to cities like Belle Plaine, Henderson and Arlington.
These developments included the enlargement of the caves to their present 300-foot lengths and the installation of ventilation systems. Schultz and Hilgers utilized the cave’s constant cool temperatures, which they figured were ideal for storing and aging beer. The tool marks and evidence of names and dates left by the workers (and some graffiti artists later on) remain visible on the cave walls today. These marks serve as a tangible connection to the past, reminding us of the skilled hands that meticulously carved out this subterranean wonder.
Weathering the Storm: Fires, Floods, and Prohibition
The brewery was hit with struggles surrounding the prohibition era. Despite new rules and regulations being put in place, Shultz and Hilgers continued to produce beer. The brewery used up to 40 car loads of barley per year, before prohibition hit which was a testament to its popularity and success. In April of 1900 there was talk of saloons and breweries on their way to being shut down. With Jordan being a 2 brewery, 8 saloon city, this raised a concern for many of the brewery employees and customers. Many partners started pulling out of their deals with the brewery due to the difficult industry.
With the repeal of Prohibition, the Jordan Brewery resumed beer production. The cooling caves once again played a crucial role in the brewing process. However, the mid-20th century brought new challenges. In 1949, the brewery ceased operations, marking the end of an era. Five years later, in 1954, a devastating fire gutted the brewery, leaving it in ruins. Despite this setback, the spirit of the brewery lived on in the hearts of the local community.
Devastation and Preservation
After being purchased in 1990, the brewery was then converted into apartment living in which it remained until disaster struck again. This time with a flood in 2014, causing a mudslide along with excessive flooding after a summer storm. After abandonment once again, The property was purchased a few years later, preserved again, and still stands today as our beloved retail location, event space and a historical destination.
Over 300 feet of cedar decking and lighting has now been installed inside the cave once used for storing beer, wrapping itself around as a safe walkway that allows guests to easily explore the interior. The Jordan Historic Caves maintain a temperature of 56 degrees all year round so be sure to pack a sweater if you plan on stopping for a visit! You can also rent the caves out for public and private events as it’s the perfect place for a spooky game night or an intimate wedding ceremony and reception. The caves are open to all ages during Strains of the Earth’s regular business hours with souvenirs available for purchase in our SOTE Natural Remedies department.
