Owatonna in Steele County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Main Building
National Register of Historic Places
April 18, 2022
1. National Register of Historic Places Marker
Inscription.
Main Building. National Register of Historic Places. This Main Building, built in 1886, served as the "nerve center" for the State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children during its 60-year history. From 1945-1970, it served as the Owatonna State School, an institution for educable mentally retarded children. The architectural style is 19th Century Norman Romanesque., The state of Minnesota closed this institution in 1970, and the city of Owatonna purchased this Main Building in the spring of 1974. In 1975, Owatonna citizens sought recognition from the National Park Service for the historical and architectural significance of the building. Their request was granted, and later that year this Main Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
This Main Building, built in 1886, served as the "nerve center" for the State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children during its 60-year history. From 1945-1970, it served as the Owatonna State School, an institution for educable mentally retarded children. The architectural style is 19th Century Norman Romanesque.
The state of Minnesota closed this institution in 1970, and the city of Owatonna purchased this Main Building in the spring of 1974. In 1975, Owatonna citizens sought recognition from the National Park Service for the historical and architectural significance of the building. Their request was granted, and later that year this Main Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Location. 44° 5.364′ N, 93° 14.282′ W. Marker is in Owatonna, Minnesota, in Steele County. Marker is on West Hills Circle, 0.1 miles west of State Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Located on the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum and Owatonna City Hall building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 540 W Hills Cir, Owatonna MN 55060, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Presently Owatonna City Hall and Orphanage Museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2022. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on April 30, 2022.
