Biography of Charles Thomas Stearns
       
    What is now Stearns County was officially established on
    February 20, 1855.  Originally the name Stevens County was
    used, to honor Governor Isaac I. Stevens, who had conducted
    a surveying expedition for a Pacific railroad to the area in
    1853.  However, the name was changed to Stearns to honor
    Charles Thomas STEARNS, a member of the Territorial Council,
    and had taken an active part in securing the passage of the
    bill establishing the county. Stearns moved to St. Cloud the
    following year and became a prominent member of the
    developing city.  His Stearns Hotel became the original
    building on the St. Cloud State University campus.
        
    Data Entry Volunteer: Ron Zurek (rzurek@aol.com)