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. 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.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 44° 5.364′ N, 93° 14.282′ W. Marker is in Owatonna, Minnesota, in Steele County. It 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.

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Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Minnesota.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: State Public School for Dependent & Neglected Children 1886 - 1945 (here, next to this marker); State School Buildings and Grounds (here, next to this marker); There Were Many...I Was But One (a few steps from this marker); Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children (a few steps from this marker); State Schoolers U.S. Military Memorial (a few steps from this marker); History of State School Rock Garden (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); History of the State School Root Cellar (about 700 feet away); History of the State Public School Children’s Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Owatonna.

Also see . . . Minnesota SP Administration Building - National Archives NextGen Catalog. From the National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form (1975):

Statement of Significance

"During its 83 year history as the Administration Building for the Owatonna State School this building housed the offices of the Superintendent, matron and teachers, a public parlor, dining rooms for officers and employees, kitchens, pantries, children's dining room, auditorium and chapel. It was the main building until the school was officially closed in 1970."

"For over 83 years the West Hills
April 18, 2022

2. Main Building Marker
Administration Building served as a social institution of the highest merit and represents efforts made by the State of Minnesota to provide education and a homelife for orphans. Architecturally, the administration building is significant as an example of the massive Norman Romanesque style of architecture. The architect, Warren B. Bunnell, conceived of the administration building and dining hall as a complex of architectural grandeur, typical of public buildings in 19th century midwest America, The height and large proportions of the buildings and the massive stone convey this strong impression. The location and construction of the administration building were important events in Owatonna's history. It was built of largely local materials by local craftsmen. The administration building stands as a testimony to Owatonna's unique heritage of skillful craftsmen and creative artisans."

(Submitted on May 30, 2024.)

State School Main Building image. Click for full size.

April 18, 2022

3. State School Main Building

Presently Owatonna City Hall and Orphanage Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2022. This page has been viewed 368 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 30, 2022.