National Register Listing

Tower Fire Hall

Main St., Tower, MN
Local significance of the building:
Social History

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 oldest public wildflower garden in the United States, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, is located in Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis.
Minnesota random facts
St. Louis County, located in northeastern Minnesota, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Ojibwe and Dakota, who first settled the area. The region's natural resources, such as timber and minerals, attracted European explorers in the 17th century, but was officially established as a county in 1855.

During the late 19th century, St. Louis County experienced a massive population boom due to the discovery of iron ore in the Mesabi Range. The mining industry quickly grew, attracting immigrants from all over the world, particularly from Finland, Sweden, and Italy. The mining towns of Hibbing, Virginia, and Eveleth emerged as major centers of industry, fueling the economic growth of the county.

In the early 20th century, St. Louis County faced challenges as the mining industry went through periods of fluctuation. A major event was the Mesabi Range Strike of 1916, when thousands of miners demanded better working conditions and higher wages. The strike was met with violence and resulted in several deaths. However, it also paved the way for improvements in labor rights and safety regulations in the mining industry.

In recent years, St. Louis County has diversified its economy by focusing on tourism, healthcare, education, and technology. The county is home to numerous natural attractions, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Lake Superior. Additionally, the county is home to the city of Duluth, which has become a regional center for healthcare and education. This blend of natural beauty and urban development continues to shape the history and future of St. Louis County, MN.

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

  • 1849 - St. Louis County is established on February 20th.
  • 1858 - The first courthouse is built in Duluth.
  • 1884 - The Great Hinckley Fire devastates parts of St. Louis County.
  • 1893 - The Duluth Ship Canal is completed, connecting Lake Superior to the Duluth Harbor.
  • 1915 - The Duluth, Missabe and Northern Railway is formed, stimulating economic growth in the region.
  • 1941 - The Duluth Air Base (later renamed Duluth International Airport) is established.
  • 1975 - The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is established, preserving vast areas of St. Louis County.
  • 1984 - The city of Virginia becomes the county seat, replacing Duluth.
  • 1992 - The Great Flood of 1992 causes significant damage to infrastructure and communities in St. Louis County.