Near New Ulm in Brown County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Clear Lake School

1864–1971

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, May 5, 2014

1. Clear Lake School Marker

Inscription. 1864 marked the beginning of District 6 (later known as 179), Sigel township's first of four school districts. The first schoolhouse was built on this site in 1868 with the purchase of 1 acre of land for $10. Civil War general Franz Sigel visited here after the war. The school burned to the ground on September 18, 1881 and was immediately rebuilt at a cost of $760. In 1925, the windows were moved to the wall facing the lake. The building was considered one of the best in Brown County due to its solid construction, distinctive red tin roof and bell tower. Over 23 teachers taught more than 450 students during its 107-year history. Many families had multiple generations taught here. State laws forced closure in 1971 when the school and its contents were sold at an auction. The building survives into the 21st century. Fond memories of life in a one-room farm school are left behind.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1918.

Location. 44° 15.886′ N, 94° 30.777′ W. Marker is near New Ulm, Minnesota, in Brown County. It is on 170th Avenue 0.3 miles

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south of County Highway 25, on the right when traveling south. Marker is near the northeast shore of Clear Lake. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Ulm MN 56073, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Charles Eugene Flandrau (approx. 2.9 miles away); Father Valentine Sommereisen (approx. 3 miles away); Colonel Wilhelm Pfaender (approx. 3.4 miles away); Hermann Monument (approx. 3½ miles away); Waraju Distillery (approx. 3.6 miles away); Joseph A. Harman (approx. 3.8 miles away); The Wallachei (approx. 3.8 miles away); Junior Pioneers of New Ulm and Vicinity (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, May 5, 2014

2. Clear Lake School Marker

south side of marker with duplicate text

of all markers in New Ulm.

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, May 5, 2014

3. Clear Lake School Marker

Clear Lake and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, May 5, 2014

4. Clear Lake and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 935 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 7, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.