History of Owatonna

Rich In History

Owatonna is rich in history. The region where Owatonna is located was historically used by Native Americans as a hunting area.

The only known periodic encampment was at Rice Lake for hunting and harvesting wild rice. Upon its founding by settlers in 1854, the area was named Owatonna after the Dakota name for the Straight River, “Wakpá Owóthaŋna.”

Today, Owatonna’s history is preserved at area attractions like the Orphanage Museum, the National Farmers’ Bank, and Village of Yesteryear. The historic downtown offers a snapshot of what Owatonna was like at the turn of the century. History buffs will not be disappointed in a visit to Owatonna!

Attractions

Did you know that Louis Sullivan designed the first jewel box bank right here in Owatonna, or that more than 10,000 children lived in the Minnesota State Public School (now home to…

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Historic Downtown & Main Street

Owatonna's Historic Main Street District consists of twelve city blocks, with contributing buildings ranging in date from 1876 to the late 1950s.

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The Legend Of Princess Owatonna

Why the name “Owatonna”?

Legend has it…

Chief Wabena heard of the curing waters called minnewaucan. His daughter, Princess Owatonna, was very frail so he moved his tribe to the site of the natural springs on the banks of Maple Creek. Princess Owatonna drank from the springs daily and recovered her health. Her kindly spirit hovers near the bubbling waters and beckons weary travelers to pause in the beautiful valley and drink of the magic waters.

True Origins…

For hundreds of years before the arrival of the first white settlers, Native Americans camped on the banks of a river they called “Ouitunya,” which means “straight” and is today the name of the major river in Steele County.

Owatonna welcomes you to visit the springs and the statue of Princess Owatonna at Mineral Springs Park.

For more itineraries and activities in Owatonna, contact the Tourism Department 800-423-6466.

History Timeline

1854

Owatonna is founded by settlers with English roots and named after the Straight River, which in the Dakota language is Wakpá Owóthaŋna.

1858

Owatonna is incorporated as a town August 9, 1858.

1883 and 1884

Owatonna hosts the Minnesota State Fair.

1885

Owatonna is chosen over 16 other cities as the site of the State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children.

1898-1940

Steele County is the Butter Capital of the World. From its peak of 26 creameries, Steele County now has one, operating in Hope, just south of Owatonna.

1904

Federated Insurance is founded in Owatonna as the Minnesota Implement Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

1908

The National Farmers’ Bank, designed by Louis Sullivan, is completed.

1944-1945

More than 200 German prisoners are sent to Owatonna’s Branch Camp #5. The prisoners provided paid labor in Owatonna for the canning company, nurseries, farmers, and others.

1958

The first portion of Interstate 35 is opened from Highway 14 to the Rice County line.

1974

The City of Owatonna purchases the campus of the former Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children, which had been in operation from 1886 until 1945.

1998

Cabela’s World’s Foremost Outfitters opens in Owatonna.