National Register of Historic Places listings in Mower County, Minnesota facts for kids

Location of Mower County in Minnesota

Hey everyone! Did you know that some buildings and places are super important because of their history? In the United States, there's a special list called the National Register of Historic Places. It helps protect and celebrate these amazing spots.

This page is all about the cool historic places you can find in Mower County, Minnesota. Mower County is in the state of Minnesota, and it has 11 special places listed on this important register. These places include old buildings, bridges, and even ancient sites! Let's explore them together.

Historic Places in Mower County

Here are some of the interesting historic places in Mower County:

Booth Post No. 130-Grand Army of the Republic Hall

This old hall in Grand Meadow, Minnesota was built in 1891. It was a meeting place for the Grand Army of the Republic. This group was made up of soldiers who fought for the Union in the American Civil War. Imagine all the stories those walls could tell!

Bridge No. 5388

This isn't just any bridge! Bridge No. 5388 is a special kind of bridge called a Warren pony truss bridge. It was built in 1935. It used to be in a different county, but it was moved to Lake Louise State Park in Mower County in 2011. It's cool to see how old structures can be moved and saved!

Cook-Hormel House (Hormel Historic Home)

Located in Austin, Minnesota, this beautiful house was built in 1871. It first belonged to a politician named John Cook. Later, it was owned by George A. Hormel, who started the famous Hormel Foods company. He even changed the outside of the house to look more fancy. Today, it's a museum called the Hormel Historic Home, where you can learn about its past.

Exchange State Bank

In Grand Meadow, Minnesota, you'll find the Exchange State Bank. This brick building was built in 1910. It's special because it was one of the first big projects for two famous architects, William Gray Purcell and George Grant Elmslie. They designed it in a style called Prairie School.

First National Bank of Adams

Another bank designed by Purcell & Elmslie is the First National Bank of Adams, built in 1924 in Adams, Minnesota. This bank also has a cool mural inside, painted by an artist named John W. Norton. Murals are big paintings on walls!

First State Bank of Le Roy

You guessed it! This bank in Le Roy, Minnesota was also designed by Purcell & Elmslie. It's a brick building from 1914, showing off more of their unique Prairie School style.

Freund Store

The Freund Store in Johnsburg, Minnesota is a historic building from 1895. It was a general store, which means it sold all sorts of things. It also served as a community hall, a place where people gathered. There's even a house connected to it!

Grand Meadow Quarry Archeological District

This isn't a building, but a very old site near Grand Meadow, Minnesota. It's a place where people long ago, from about 8000 BCE to 1600 CE, dug for a type of rock called chert. They used this chert to make stone tools. It's like an ancient factory for tools!

LeRoy Public Library

The LeRoy Public Library in Le Roy, Minnesota is a lovely building from 1915. It's built in a style called Classical Revival architecture, which means it looks a bit like ancient Greek or Roman buildings, often with columns and grand entrances.

Paramount Theater

Step back in time at the Paramount Theater in Austin, Minnesota! This amazing theater was built in 1929. It's an "atmospheric theater," which means its inside was designed to look like an outdoor scene, often with stars on the ceiling. It's built in the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture style, making it look like an old Spanish building.

Arthur W. Wright House

Also in Austin, Minnesota, the Arthur W. Wright House was built around 1870. It's an Italianate style house, which often means it has tall, narrow windows and a low-pitched roof. Around 1905, a new porch was added in the Classical Revival style, giving it a mix of looks!