Carter Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Carter Block
|
|
The Carter Block viewed from the east
|
|
 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 501–511 1st Street N., St. Cloud, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Area | .78 acres (0.32 ha) |
| Built | 1902 |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001297 |
| Added to NRHP | June 13, 1986 |
The Carter Block is a historic building located in St. Cloud, Minnesota. It was built in 1902 by a businessman named Wesley Carter. This building was designed to be a busy place. It had shops, offices, storage areas, and even rooms for meetings.
The Carter Block is important because it shows how St. Cloud grew and developed. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This means it is recognized as a special part of history.
Contents
The Carter Block: A Historic Building
The Carter Block was built over 120 years ago. It was a "mixed-use" building. This means it was used for many different things at once. Imagine a building today with a store on the first floor, offices on the second, and perhaps a club meeting room on the third. That's what the Carter Block was like!
What Was Inside?
When it first opened, the Carter Block was a hub of activity.
- Retail Shops: The ground floor likely held stores. People could buy goods like clothes, food, or other supplies.
- Offices: Business people and professionals had offices upstairs. Lawyers, doctors, or other services might have worked there.
- Warehousing: Parts of the building were used for storage. This was important for businesses to keep their products.
- Meeting Space: Groups and clubs could gather in the building. This made it a social center for the community.
This mix of uses made the Carter Block a very important spot in St. Cloud. It helped the city grow and connect people.
Who Was Wesley Carter?
Wesley Carter was the businessman who built the Carter Block. He was an "entrepreneur." An entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs a business. They often take risks to create something new.
Wesley Carter saw a need in St. Cloud for a building like this. His ideas and hard work helped the city develop. The Carter Block stands as a reminder of his efforts. It shows how one person's business ideas can help a whole community.
Why Is It Important Today?
The Carter Block is important for two main reasons. These are called "themes" in history.
- Commerce: This means business and trade. The building was a center for buying, selling, and working. It shows how business helped St. Cloud grow.
- Social History: This looks at how people lived and interacted. The meeting spaces in the Carter Block brought people together. It was a place where community life happened.
The building helps us understand what life was like in St. Cloud in the early 1900s. It shows how people worked, shopped, and socialized.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is an official list. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. When a place is added to this list, it means it has special meaning.
Being on the National Register helps protect these places. It also makes people more aware of their history. The Carter Block was added to this list in 1986. This officially recognized its value to the history of St. Cloud and Minnesota.
