National Register Listing

Pipestone Water Tower

2nd St., NE, Pipestone, MN
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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.

The first successful commercial shipment of wheat from the Great Plains to Europe was made in 1871 from Minneapolis.
Minnesota random facts
Pipestone County is located in southwestern Minnesota and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, namely the Dakota and Ho-Chunk people, who relied on the area's natural resources for sustenance. One of the most significant landmarks in the county is the Pipestone National Monument, known for its distinct red pipestone rock that was used by Native Americans to create ceremonial pipes.

European settlement in the area began in the mid-19th century with the establishment of the Red Pipestone Quarry. This quarry attracted settlers looking to mine the pipestone and trade it with Native Americans. In 1856, Pipestone County was officially organized, named after the abundant pipestone found in the area. The county's population continued to grow steadily, mainly consisting of settlers of European descent.

The construction of the railroads in the late 19th century significantly impacted Pipestone County's development. The arrival of the railroad made transportation more efficient and allowed the county's agricultural products, such as corn, wheat, and dairy, to reach larger markets. It also brought new settlers and businesses to the area, further boosting its growth.

Throughout the 20th century, Pipestone County, like many rural communities, faced challenges due to changes in agriculture and the decline of small-town businesses. However, the county has made efforts to preserve its rich history and cultural heritage. Today, Pipestone County is known for its vibrant Native American culture, historic sites, and natural beauty, attracting visitors from across the country.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Pipestone County, Minnesota.

  • 1851: Pipestone County was established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
  • 1862-1865: The U.S.-Dakota War resulted in conflict between Dakota Sioux and American settlers in the area.
  • 1872: Pipestone was designated as the county seat.
  • 1899: The Pipestone National Monument was established to preserve the quarries of soft red pipestone used by Native Americans for making pipes.
  • 1936: The Works Progress Administration constructed the Pipestone County Courthouse, which still stands today.
  • 1958: The Brown Building, a historic landmark in Pipestone, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1986: The restored Historic Calumet Inn was reopened as a hotel in Pipestone.
  • 2004: The Pipestone Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.