North Mankato in Nicollet County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Wheeler Park Brickyard
Photographed by Koen Schneidawind, June 16, 2026
1. Wheeler Park Brickyard Marker
Local brickyards started appearing in North Mankato in the late 1880s, harvesting the area's generous supply of floodplain clay. In 1886 A.L. Wheeler and O.E. Bennett developed a brickyard at this site on 26 acres purchased from Dr. Louis.
At the turn of the century North Mankato's bricks were exported regionally, but much of the good quality brick remained in town for the local residential building boom. Many North Mankato houses, ranging from small cottages to large houses of local businessmen, were built of North Mankato brick. In some cases, such as the Wheeler House (1892) at 348 Wheeler Avenue, and the Bennett House (1886) at 322 Wheeler Avenue the construction showcased the use of local brick in residential construction.
In 1905 Wheeler and Bennett closed the local yard and a few years later the City of North Mankato bought the land for the development of Wheeler Park. The depression from the clay pit is still evident in the park today.
Erected by North Mankato History.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 44° 10.339′ N,
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Regionally, this memorial is in Southwest Minnesota and specifically in the Minnesota River Valley. 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, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Early North Mankato Government (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tanley Field (approx. ¼ mile away); Marigold Dairy (approx. 0.3 miles away); Minnesota River Steamboating (approx. half a mile away); Ho-Chunk / Winnebago (approx. half a mile away); Reconciliation and Remembrance (approx. half a mile away); Reconciliation Park (approx. half a mile away); Korean War (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers
Photographed by Koen Schneidawind, June 16, 2026
2. Wheeler Park Brickyard Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2026, by Koen Schneidawind of Mankato, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 28, 2026, by Koen Schneidawind of Mankato, Minnesota. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
