Home of first black resident in Fergus Falls saved by anonymous donor

FERGUS FALLS, MINN. (KVRR) – This small home in Fergus Falls may seem unassuming, but it holds a lot of history as the home of Prince Albert Honeycutt, the first black resident of Fergus Falls, and it’s history that was almost lost.

“He was able to build this house in 1885, and the fact that it’s associated with such a part of our history, it really needs to be preserved and preserved for future generations.”

Honeycutt wasn’t your ordinary pioneer settler. He was born into slavery, escaping at the age of 10 with the army of General William Sherman. He continued to assist the Union Army until the end of the war.

“He was befriended by a man named James Compton, who was a captain.”

“And when Compton moved to Fergus Falls in 1872, Prince Honeycutt came with him to Fergus Falls.”

And after his arrival in Fergus Falls, Honeycutt immersed himself in the community. He was a teamster, founded his own professional baseball team, and became one of the first black firefighters in the state.

Throughout his life in Fergus Falls, Honeycutt continued to help black families heading North after the civil war, often boarding them in his home.

“Prince Honeycutt was responsible really for getting them settled, finding housing for them, and getting employment.”

Almost 100 years after his death, Honeycutt’s home had been condemned, and the city donated it to Flowingbrook Ministries, a 501 (c)( 3)  headquartered in Fergus Falls. Over the years they worked to restore the condemned home, and learned more about it’s former owner. 

“He was about diversity. He was about racial diversity. His life showed that. And that’s what our ministry is about, racial diversity.”

But a special assessment threatened to derail the project, as Flowingbrook Ministries struggled to pay the $10,000 they owed the city. Until an anonymous donor stepped up to the full amount.

“And the money that is now being collected will help with the renovation, because it still needs a lot of work.”

And now the work is continuing, with the aim of getting the home recognized as a national historic site, so that the legacy of Honeycutt can live on.

If you’re interested in helping with the restoration, you can donate or reach out to their GoFundMe here.