Minnesota State Law Library
Minnesota State Law Library
When the first historical society building was planned, it was meant to house the Historical Society and the Courts. The Historical Society convinced the legislature that it couldn't work as a joint facility so the Courts remained in the Capitol. In the 1980's, the Court was finally gaining traction in the legislature to get a new building. The Historical Society site was chosen as the new location for the Courts and the Courts would take over the site of the old MNHS building as well as the Mechanic Arts High School building site. It was decided that the Historical Society would move down the Capitol Mall and they also began planning for a new and improved building. Included here is some background information on the original Historical Society building and its construction.
This is the house that was on the site across from the capitol before it was removed for the Historical Society building.
Horses were used for digging out the basement of the Historical Society Building.
The foundation of the Historical Society building is in place in 1916.
The building is progressing in this photo from 1916. The front stairs are now visible.
The facade and brick outer structure are nearing completion in this image.
