National Register Listing

Grand Opera House

a.k.a. St. James Opera House

502 First Ave. S., St. James, MN
Local significance of the building:
Entertainment/recreation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

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.

entertainment recreation architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Minnesota.
The first successful open-heart surgery was performed in 1952 at the University of Minnesota by Dr. C. Walton Lillehei.
Minnesota random facts
Watonwan County, located in southern Minnesota, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and Ojibwe. The first European explorers arrived in the late 17th century, with French and British traders establishing relations with the native peoples.

In the mid-19th century, settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile prairies and abundant natural resources. Watonwan County was officially established on February 25, 1860, named after the Watonwan River that flows through the region. Agriculture quickly became the dominant industry, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and oats.

The county experienced significant growth and development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Railroads were constructed, connecting Watonwan County to larger markets and facilitating the transportation of goods and people. The advent of the railroad also led to the establishment of new towns, including St. James, the county seat.

Throughout its history, Watonwan County has faced its share of challenges. Like many other rural communities, it was affected by the Great Depression of the 1930s, causing economic hardship for many residents. However, the county persevered, and today it continues to be a vibrant agricultural community, producing a variety of crops and livestock.

As Watonwan County moves into the 21st century, it remains proud of its history and heritage. The county celebrates its agricultural roots through events such as fairs and festivals, highlighting the importance of farming to the local economy. While facing modern challenges, Watonwan County continues to be a testament to the strength and resilience of its people.

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

  • 1853 - Watonwan County is established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
  • 1855 - The first white settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1856 - The town of Madelia becomes the county seat.
  • 1870 - The railroad reaches Madelia, leading to increased economic growth.
  • 1880 - Lake Crystal is incorporated as a city.
  • 1899 - The city of St. James is incorporated.
  • 1921 - The Madelia State Hospital (now known as the Madelia Community Hospital) opens.
  • 1933 - The Watonwan River floods, causing severe damage to the county.
  • 1946 - The Belgrade School District consolidates with St. James and other surrounding districts.
  • 1965 - The WOW Zone, a popular entertainment center in Mankato, opens.
  • 1971 - The Watonwan County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1998 - The town of Odin celebrates its 100-year anniversary.
  • 2001 - The St. James Federal Building is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2010 - The Watonwan County Historical Society is established.