History is very important because knowing where we come from helps us figure out where we’re going. Visiting historical sites is a fantastic way to get a glimpse of days gone by and luckily for those living in or around Rochester, Minnesota, there are plenty of historical landmarks nearby.
- Plummer Building
This European-looking 15-story building gets its name from one of Mayo Clinic‘s founders, Henry S. Plummer, who wanted it to be a perfect blend of esthetics and utility. Born in Hamilton, only 20 miles away from Rochester, Plummer directly contributed to many of the medical systems and procedures still used by the clinic today.
The building was finished in 1928 and hosted many of the Mayo Clinic’s medical specialties, as well as an impressive library for medical study and research. It was the tallest building in the state at that time and held that title for many decades, until 2001. Today, the building is a National Historic Landmark and a symbol of the clinic’s history, hosting artifacts related to its founders.
- Plummer House
Dr. Plummer is obviously a major figure in Rochester’s history and two of the most famous local landmarks have his name. It was built between 1917 and 1924 and it’s located about one mile away from the Plummer Building. The doctor and his wife Daisy were heavily involved in the construction and design and the result was a spectacular mansion with no fewer than 49 rooms. The house itself isn’t the only attraction, as the surrounding property is just as grandiose, with gardens, a water tower, and even an 11-acre park.
- Mayowood Mansion
It seems that Mayo Clinic’s founders shared not only a talent for medicine, but also a passion for fine architecture. This impressive 38-room mansion was built by Charles H. Mayo in 1911 and was used by his family and himself for half a century. It’s now a popular historical site that can be visited by tourists and locals who want to experience a piece of local history. The house, along with the art collections and antiques inside it, is not the only attraction, as the 3,000-acre estate is also home to many breathtakingly beautiful gardens.
- Assisi Heights Spirituality Center
With a design inspired by the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, this fascinating building was completed in the 1950s and was home to the Sisters of Saint Francis. Also linked to the Mayo Clinic, it initially hosted a 1,000-bed infirmary, a nun retirement home and novice school, and many other facilities, such as offices and common rooms. Nowadays it’s mainly a spiritual center and a home for retired sisters, but there are many rooms available for rent, making it an amazing venue for all kinds of events.
Observing a historical landmark is like traveling back through time. By visiting any of these buildings and their surrounding estates you will be getting a glimpse of times that are long gone and getting to know the people who left their mark on the town, the country, and the whole world.
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