Near Sandstone in Pine County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
A Railroad Industry
Discover the Banning Quarry
Photographed By McGhiever, August 3, 2022
1. A Railroad Industry Marker
Banning was a boom-town. In 1896, Martin Ring platted a village along the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad. To honor the industry, Ring named the village and streets after railroad officials.
At its peak, Banning had a population of about 300, and was home to several businesses.
Modern construction of steel and concrete soon replaced stone, and by 1905 quarry operations had ceased.
Banning's population dwindled until its final abandonment around 1918.
Railways were essential to the quarrying industry. Steam locomotive was the only efficient way of transporting stone to far-off cities. Every day, an engine would pick up loads of building stones, slabs, paving blocks, and crushed rock.
Midwest Railroad Routes in 1891
Cities With Kettle River Sandstone Buildings or Pavements circa 1908
Abandoned Village of Banning, now removed
Kettle River Quarries' Engine at Sandstone
Map of Proposed Village and Quarry Circa 1896
Erected by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed
this page online
Location. 46° 9.675′ N, 92° 50.766′ W. Marker is near Sandstone, Minnesota, in Pine County. The marker is in Banning State Park (vehicle permit required). Marker is on the Quarry Loop Trail at its junction with the Spur Trail, about 0.3 miles from the trailhead at the picnic area parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 61101 Banning Park Road, Sandstone MN 55072, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Crushing Stone (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Power (about 500 feet away); Sawing Slabs (approx. ¼ mile away); Forming Blocks (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sandstone Area Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.3 miles away); Lumbering in Minnesota (approx. 3½ miles away); The Hinckley Fire (approx. 10.7 miles away); The Great Hinckley Fire (approx. 11 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sandstone.
Photographed By McGhiever, August 3, 2022
2. A Railroad Industry Marker at the junction of the Quarry Loop and Spur Trails in Banning State Park
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2022, by McGhiever of St Paul, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 41 times this year. Last updated on August 21, 2022, by McGhiever of St Paul, Minnesota. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2022, by McGhiever of St Paul, Minnesota. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
