National Register Listing

Northfield Commercial Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Scriver Block Building; Northfield Downtown Historic District

Roughly bounded by Water, Division, 3rd and 5th Sts., Northfield, MN
Local significance of the district:
Industry; Architecture; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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.

Minnesota was named after the Minnesota River, which got its name from the Dakota Sioux word "Mnisota," meaning "sky-tinted water."
Minnesota random facts
Rice County, located in southern Minnesota, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The first inhabitants of the region were Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and Winnebago people. These tribes relied on the natural resources of the area, particularly the water sources and fertile soil for agricultural purposes.

In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to establish themselves in Rice County. The county was officially created in 1853 and named after Henry Mower Rice, a prominent politician and pioneer in Minnesota. The town of Faribault was chosen as the county seat, which quickly became a prosperous and influential town in the region.

The region's economy in the early years of settlement was primarily agriculture-based, with farming being the primary occupation of its residents. Rice County also became a key location in the development of flour milling and grain production in Minnesota. Numerous mills were established along the Straight River and Cannon River, which provided power for these industries.

Over the years, Rice County experienced growth and development in various sectors. The establishment of educational institutions, such as Carleton College and Shattuck-St. Mary's School, brought culture and intellectual life to the area. In more recent times, the county has seen further diversification with the expansion of healthcare, retail, and manufacturing industries.

Today, Rice County is a vibrant community that honors its history while embracing growth and progress. Visitors and residents alike enjoy its natural beauty, historic sites, and the rich heritage that has shaped the county into what it is today.

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

  • 1851 - Rice County is established as one of the original nine counties of Minnesota.
  • 1853 - The town of Faribault is founded, becoming the first county seat.
  • 1865 - The Northfield Bank is established, leading to the growth of the city of Northfield.
  • 1871 - Rice County experiences a devastating grasshopper plague, causing significant crop damage.
  • 1877 - The construction of the Stillwater and Winona Railroad begins, connecting Rice County to other parts of the state.
  • 1895 - The Rice County Courthouse is built, becoming a symbol of civic pride and architectural beauty.
  • 1923 - Carleton College, a renowned liberal arts institution, moves to Northfield.
  • 1935 - The creation of the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf in Faribault promotes accessibility to education for the deaf community.
  • 1969 - The community experiences severe flooding, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
  • 1999 - The Northfield Historical Society opens the Northfield Historical Society Museum, preserving the rich history of the county.
  • 2002 - The Faribault Woolen Mill is reopened, reinvigorating the local textile industry.