Western Union Building (Aberdeen, South Dakota) facts for kids
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Western Union Building
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Building in 2007
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 Location in South Dakota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 21-23 South Main Street, Aberdeen, South Dakota |
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| Built | 1888–1889 |
| Part of | Aberdeen Commercial Historic District (ID88000586) |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001721 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 12, 1976 |
| Designated CP | May 23, 1988 |
The Western Union Building is a special old building in Aberdeen, South Dakota. It used to be called the Hagerty Block. Today, it is known as the Dacotah Prairie Museum. This building is very important because it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a significant historical site in the United States. It is also part of the Aberdeen Commercial Historic District, which includes many other historic buildings.
Contents
Building History: From Bank to Museum
The story of this building began in 1888. That year, a new bank called the Northwestern National Bank started in Aberdeen. Henry Marple was the president of this new bank.
Early Days as a Bank
In August 1888, the bank bought a piece of land. This land was at 21–23 South Main Street. There was an old general store there. The bank wanted to build a brand new building for its business.
Construction of the new bank building happened from 1888 to 1889. The bank officially opened its doors in the new location in February 1889.
Fires and New Owners
The building faced some challenges early on. In May 1891, a fire caused damage to the building. It also badly damaged a grocery store inside called Kearney and Boyer. Later, in March 1903, another fire started. This one began in the basement of a grocery store named Gamble & Robinson.
In 1907, a person named Jay Hagerty bought the building. After he bought it, people started calling it the Hagerty Block.
Western Union and the Museum
In 1920, a company called Western Union moved into the largest part of the building. Because of this, the building became known as the Western Union Building. Over the years, many different businesses were in the building. Besides the bank, there were grocery stores and many offices.
In 1970, the building was given to Brown County. The county wanted to turn it into a museum. The museum opened in October of that year and was named the Dacotah Prairie Museum. By 1980, the museum was the only business using the building.
Historic Recognition
The Western Union Building is very special. It is the only bank building from the 1800s left in Aberdeen. Because of its importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 12, 1976. This listing helps protect and recognize important historical places.
The building is also a key part of the Aberdeen Commercial Historic District. This district was added to the National Register on May 23, 1988.
Building Design: Romanesque Revival Style
The Western Union Building is a great example of Romanesque Revival architecture. This style of building looks a bit like old Roman buildings. It often uses strong, rounded arches.
Outside Look
The building has three stories. It is made of red bricks laid in a pattern called "running bond." This is a common way to lay bricks.
There are three main doors to the building. Each door is framed by a large, rounded arch. You have to walk up a few steps to reach these entrances.
Tall, flat columns called Pilasters go all the way up the side of the building. These pilasters separate the windows. On the first floor, they separate single windows. On the second and third floors, they separate pairs of windows.
Inside and Outside Changes
The inside of the building has been updated over time. However, the outside of the building looks almost the same as it did when it was first built. This means its historic look has been kept safe for many years.
See also
