National Register Listings in
Winona County, Minnesota

Anger's Block Bridge No. L1409 Bunnell, Willard, House Central Grade School Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Station Choate Deparment Store Church of St. Stanislaus-Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity-Catholic East Second Street Commercial Historic District Ellsworth, Benjamin, House First Congregational Church Gallagher, Dr. J. W. S., House Grain and Lumber Exchange Building Hemmelberg, William, House Hodgins, Abner F., House Huff-Lamberton House Jefferson School Kirch/Latch Building Laird, Norton Company Building Madison School Marnach, Nicholas, House Merchants National Bank Model School Building and College Hall of the Winona Normal School Pickwick Mill Rollingstone Village Hall Schlitz Hotel St. Charles City Bakery Sugar Loaf Sugar Loaf Brewery Trinity Episcopal Church Trinity Episcopal Church Washington-Kosciusko School Watkins, J. R., Medical Company Complex Watkins, Paul, House Whitewater Avenue Commercial Historic District Whitewater State Park CCC/WPA/Rustic Style Historic Resources Winona and St. Peter Engine House Winona and St. Peter Railroad Freight House Winona Athletic Club Winona City Hall Winona Commercial Historic District Winona County Courthouse Winona Free Public Library Winona High School and Winona Junior High School Winona Hotel Winona Masonic Temple Winona Savings Bank Building
Historic Photos of Minnesota
Minnesota is home to the largest ball of twine ever rolled by one person. Francis A. Johnson started rolling the ball in 1950 and continued to add to it until his death in 1989. The ball weighs over 17,000 pounds and has a circumference of 40 feet.
Minnesota random facts

Winona County, Minnesota, has a rich and diverse history shaped by its geographical location and the people who have called it home. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and Winnebago tribes, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods. European settlement began in the early 19th century with the arrival of fur traders and missionaries.

The county was officially established on February 23, 1854, with Winona serving as its county seat. During the mid-19th century, the area experienced a boom in population and economic growth due to the logging and milling industries. The Mississippi River played a crucial role in the transportation of goods, making Winona County a pivotal hub for trade and commerce.

In the late 19th century, Winona County witnessed a shift in its economy as agriculture became the dominant industry. Fertile soil and favorable growing conditions made the region ideal for farming, particularly wheat and dairy production. The county's agricultural abundance led to the establishment of grain elevators, creameries, and other agricultural infrastructure.

Throughout the 20th century, Winona County continued to evolve, with a growing focus on education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The city of Winona became a center for higher education, with the establishment of several colleges and universities. The county also saw the rise of healthcare institutions and manufacturing facilities, further diversifying its economy.

Today, Winona County is celebrated for its natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and strong sense of community. Its history is showcased in numerous historical sites, museums, and festivals, honoring the past while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the present.

  • 1854 - Winona County is established by an act of the Minnesota Territory Legislature
  • 1856 - The city of Winona is incorporated as the county seat
  • 1857 - The first courthouse is built in Winona
  • 1871 - The Winona and St. Peter Railroad is completed, connecting Winona to the growing rail network
  • 1883 - The Merrick State Park is established on the Mississippi River
  • 1941 - The Winona Municipal Airport is opened
  • 1965 - Winona State University is founded
  • 1988 - The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is established in Winona