Alexian Brothers' Novitiate

Alexian Brothers' Novitiate is an estate in Gresham with 35 rooms made of cut limestone, featuring a two-story stone portico and a balcony overlooking Freeborn Falls on the Red River. The 181-acre property includes 80 acres of forest, 45 acres of farmland, and over 1,200 feet (360 meters) of river frontage with Class 3 rapids.

The house was built in 1939 by Jennie Peters as a residence for her disabled daughter and donated to the Alexian Brothers in 1948 after her daughter's death. The property later became a site of major social movements that shaped how it is understood today.

The estate became a focal point for Native American activism when the Menominee Warrior Society occupied it in 1975. This event remains part of the community's memory of the place today.

The site sits along a river section with strong currents and requires care when approaching the water. The large property with forest and field areas offers chances to explore different landscape sections, though maintained pathways are not everywhere.

The place attracted not only religious communities but also became a gathering point for Native Americans fighting for their rights. This complex history makes the property far more than just a historical residence.

Location: Gresham

Inception: 1939

GPS coordinates: 44.84553,-88.73538

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:51