National Register of Historic Places listings in Dodge County, Minnesota facts for kids
Dodge County, Minnesota, is home to many special places that tell us about the past. These places are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government to protect buildings, sites, and objects that have a big meaning in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our heritage. There are 11 such places in Dodge County. Let's explore some of these amazing historic sites!
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Historic Gems in Kasson
Kasson is a town with several buildings that have earned a spot on the National Register. These places show us what life was like in the past and how the town grew.
The Ole Carlson House: A Farmer's Home
The Ole Carlson House is a large farmhouse built in 1880. It was owned by Ole Carlson, a successful farmer from the Norwegian American community. The house shows how well-off some farmers became in the late 1800s. It's a great example of the homes built by early settlers in the area.
Eureka Hotel: A Railroad Landmark
The Eureka Hotel was built in 1894 right next to the railroad tracks in Kasson. Back then, trains were super important for travel and trade. Hotels like the Eureka were busy places where travelers and business people stayed. This hotel reminds us of Kasson's busy railroad days and how much commerce depended on the trains.
Kasson Municipal Building: A Community Hub
The Kasson Municipal Building was built in 1917. It's special because of its design, which is called Prairie School style. This style was created by famous architects like Purcell & Elmslie. This building wasn't just for government; it was a place where many community activities happened. It shows how important local government and community spaces were in the early 20th century.
Kasson Public School: Learning Through the Years
The Kasson Public School building was the only school in Kasson from 1918 to 1954. It taught students from elementary all the way through high school! It also offered special training for teachers and services for farming and public health. Many community events were held here too, making it a true center for learning and community life for decades.
Kasson Water Tower: A Unique Structure
The Kasson Water Tower was built in 1895. What makes it stand out is its unique base made of limestone. It's a local landmark and is the only early water tower in south-central Minnesota that hasn't been changed. Water towers were vital for providing clean water to towns, and this one is a beautiful example of early engineering.
Jacob Leuthold Jr. House: A Pioneer of Retail
The Jacob Leuthold Jr. House was built in 1905. It was designed by well-known architects Kees & Colburn. Jacob Leuthold, Jr. was a very interesting person. He started one of the first clothing chain stores in the country back in the late 1800s. His house reflects his success and the changing world of business at that time.
Mantorville's Historic Treasures
Mantorville, another town in Dodge County, also has important historic sites, including an entire historic district!
Mantorville and Red Wing Stage Road: An Old Highway
The Mantorville and Red Wing Stage Road-Mantorville Section is a 600-foot long piece of an old stagecoach road built in 1855. Imagine horse-drawn stagecoaches traveling along this very path! This road was a super important trade route that helped towns in the region grow and develop. It's a direct link to how people traveled and traded long ago.
Mantorville Historic District: A Step Back in Time
The Mantorville Historic District is a whole area in Mantorville that is very well-preserved. It includes 24 historic buildings built between 1854 and 1918. Some of the famous places here include the Hubbell House hotel, which opened in 1857, and Minnesota's oldest operating courthouse. You can also see homes of important people like lawyer Cordenio Severance and artist Arnold Blanch. Walking through this district is like stepping back in time!
Other Notable Historic Places
Dodge County has other significant historic sites outside of Kasson and Mantorville.
Perry Nelson House: A New England Style Home
The Perry Nelson House was built in the early 1870s near West Concord. It's known for its beautiful Italianate architecture style. This house is also important because it shows the influence of people from New England who settled in this area. It's a great example of the homes built by these early settlers.
Wasioja Historic District: A Frontier Village
The Wasioja Historic District tells the story of a frontier village that was founded in 1854 but was almost empty by the 1870s. Even though it didn't grow into a big town, six important parts of it still remain. These include a church, a stone house, a school, a limestone kiln, the ruins of a seminary, and Minnesota's only known surviving Civil War Recruiting Station. This district gives us a glimpse into the early days of settlement and even the Civil War in Minnesota.
Former Listings: A House on the Move
Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This happened to the Andrew Holterman House, an Italianate style house built in 1878 near Hayfield. It was removed from the list in 2000 because it was moved in the 1990s. When a historic building is moved from its original location, it often loses its historic connection to that specific place, which can lead to it being delisted.
Images for kids
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The historic Ole Carlson House
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The Eureka Hotel in Kasson
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The Kasson Municipal Building
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The old Kasson Public School building
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The Kasson Water Tower
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The Jacob Leuthold Jr. House
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A section of the old Mantorville and Red Wing Stage Road
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The historic Dodge County Courthouse in Mantorville
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The Perry Nelson House
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The Wasioja Historic District
