National Register Listing

Winona and St. Peter Freight Depot

Oak St., NE, Sleepy Eye, MN
Local significance of the building:
Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

transportation Civil War military
The first female mayor in the United States was elected in Minnesota in 1887. Susanna Salter was elected mayor of Argonia, Kansas, but she was originally from Minnesota.
Minnesota random facts
Brown County, Minnesota has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. The area was first inhabited by the Dakota Sioux people, who relied on the Minnesota River for hunting, fishing, and transportation. However, this changed with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century. These settlers were primarily German and Irish immigrants, who were attracted to the fertile lands and opportunities for farming.

In 1857, Brown County was officially established, named after Joseph Renshaw Brown, a politician and early settler in the region. The county quickly grew in population, and by 1860, the town of New Ulm was founded as the county seat. New Ulm became an important center for trade and commerce in the region, and attracted more settlers who sought agricultural opportunities.

The late 19th century brought significant challenges for Brown County. In 1862, the region experienced the Dakota War, a conflict between the Dakota Sioux and Euro-American settlers. New Ulm was heavily affected by the war, with several attacks on the town and a significant loss of life. However, the town and county persevered, and efforts were made to rebuild and reconcile with the Dakota Sioux people.

Throughout the 20th century, Brown County continued to flourish as an agricultural region. The county saw advancements in farming technology, leading to increased productivity. Additionally, the construction of highways and railroads facilitated transportation and trade, further boosting the local economy. Today, Brown County remains an important hub for agriculture in Minnesota, while also embracing its cultural heritage and historical significance.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Brown County, Minnesota.

  • 1853 - Brown County is established.
  • 1857 - The city of New Ulm is founded.
  • 1862 - The Dakota War of 1862 occurs, leading to the Battle of New Ulm, where settlers defend the city against Dakota warriors.
  • 1873 - The first railroad reaches New Ulm, spurring economic growth in the area.
  • 1881 - The Brown County Historical Society is formed to preserve the region's history.
  • 1917-1918 - The United States enters World War I, and many residents of Brown County serve in the military.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardships to the county, but federal programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) provide employment opportunities.
  • 1960 - The population of Brown County reaches its peak at around 23,000 residents.
  • 1970s - Brown County begins facing economic challenges as industries decline, and many residents move to larger cities.
  • 1987 - The Hermann Monument, a symbol of New Ulm's German heritage, is completed and becomes a popular tourist attraction.
  • 2002 - The Brown County Historical Society opens the Brown County Historical Society Museum in New Ulm.