First State Normal School, Winona, MN, (c.1875)
on verso:
Winona, “The Gate City” of Minnesota.
WINONA is the largest and most important city in Southern Minnesota and the third in point of population in the State. It is the County seat of Winona County and is charmingly situated on a plain on the west bank of the Mississippi River, commanding a fine view of the same for several miles.
The first white settlement made in this place was in 1851. In June, 1852 it was surveyed and laid out as a town. In 1857 a charter was obtained, and a city government organized. In 1855 the population numbered 813, in 1860 2,468; in 1865 about 4,900; in 1870, 7,200; and at the present time (1875) something over 10,000.
Winona is noted for the natural beauty of its site; for its healthfulness; for the air of taste and culture, which pervades its residences; for its excellent system of schools; and generally for its thrift, energy, and commercial activity.
It is the largest wheat and flour market in the state; does an immense lumbering business, besides a large manufacturing business in wood, iron, machinery, wagon and carriage building, &c.,&c.
The High School Building cost $60,000; the Madison School Building, just finished, cost $40,000.
This is the seat of the First State Normal School, (The building of which cost $140,000) an exceedingly well conducted and successful institution for the training of teachers, and is the pride not only of this city, but of the whole State.
Winona has four National Banks and a Savings Bank, several large wholesale Grocery, Dry Goods, Hardware, Boot and Shoe Stores, as well as many first-class retail establishments.
It is likewise a Rail Road Center of considerable importance, embracing the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul R.R.; The Chicago and Northwestern; The Winona and St. Peter; The Green Bay and Minnesota, and the South Shore R.R., making five lines in actual operation centering here.
The Chicago & Northwestern Railway crosses the River at this point, connecting the St. Peter and Madison divisions by an iron bridge, the draw of which is 360 feet long, being probably the longest draw in the world. The total length of the bridge is 10,570 feet.
Several series of Stereoscopic Views of Winona and vicinity have been published, including “Views from the Bluffs of Lake Winona.” “Views from Castle Rock on the Wisconsin Shore,” “Views from the High School,” and Tower of Engine House. Also all the public buildings and street views, with a complete list of Minnesota and Wisconsin Scenery. Always on hand at
Hoard & Tenney’s Art Emporium,
No. 18 Center Street.
