Andrew Peterson (Anders Pettersson) was born October 20, 1818, at Västra Ryd parish in Ydre härad, Östergötland, Sweden.

These writings provided inspiration for Vilhelm Moberg's novels The Emigrants, Unto a Good Land, The Settlers, and The Last Letter Home, although they were set in Chisago County, Minnesota.

Despite being unaware of its historical value when he purchased the property he later collaborated with Jo Mihelich, author of the 1984 book, Andrew Peterson and the Scandia Story, to preserve numerous artifacts and structures, ultimately leading to the property being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

[11][10] In 2006, the Carver County Historical Society initiated restoration efforts on the farmstead by focusing on the granary, with additional assistance from Swedish carpenters.

Subsequently, storm damage in July and August of 2010 caused the collapse of the east wall and gables of the North Barn, leading to stabilization measures to safeguard the remaining structure for future restoration endeavors.

Subsequent funding was secured to restore and reinforce the foundation of the North Barn, paving the way for its potential transformation into a public park facility.