Western Union Building (Aberdeen, South Dakota) facts for kids
|
Western Union Building
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
The building as it looked in 2007.
|
|
 Location in South Dakota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 21-23 South Main Street, Aberdeen, South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Built | 1888–1889 |
| Part of | Aberdeen Commercial Historic District (ID88000586) |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001721 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | December 12, 1976 |
| Designated CP | May 23, 1988 |
The Western Union Building is a famous historic building in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Over its long history, it has had several names, including the Hagerty Block. Today, it is home to the Dacotah Prairie Museum.
This building is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list for places that are part of America's history and worth protecting. It's also a key part of the Aberdeen Commercial Historic District, an entire area of historic buildings.
Contents
A Building with Many Lives
This building has a fascinating story and has been used for many different things since it was built.
From Bank to Museum
The story begins in 1888, when the Northwestern National Bank decided to build a new home. Construction finished in 1889, and the grand new bank opened for business.
Over the years, the building faced some challenges. It was damaged by fires in 1891 and 1903 but was repaired each time. Besides the bank, the building also housed grocery stores and various offices.
In 1920, the Western Union telegraph company moved in and became the main tenant. Because of this, people started calling it the Western Union Building.
A big change happened in 1970. The building was given to Brown County to be used as a museum. In October of that year, the Dacotah Prairie Museum opened its doors. By 1980, the museum was the only thing inside the building.
Why Is This Building Historic?
The Western Union Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It is the only bank building from the 1800s still standing in Aberdeen, making it a unique piece of the city's history.
In 1988, it was also recognized as a key part of the Aberdeen Commercial Historic District. This means it's an important piece of a larger historic neighborhood.
A Look at the Building's Design
The building is a great example of a style called Romanesque Revival architecture. This style was popular in the late 1800s and was inspired by buildings from the old Roman Empire. It is known for looking strong and solid.
The building is three stories tall and made of red brick. The bricks are laid in a pattern called a running bond, which is a common and strong way to build walls.
One of the first things you might notice are the three main entrances. Each one is set inside a large, rounded arch. To reach the doors, you have to walk up a few steps from the street.
Another cool feature is the use of pilasters. These look like flat columns attached to the wall. They run all the way from the ground to the roof, creating a sense of height and order. Even though the inside has been updated for the museum, the outside of the building looks very much like it did when it was first built.
See also
