On This Date in Minnesota History: December 31

December 31, 1979 - The Hastings Foundry-Star Iron Works building is historically significant as the location where the first steam engine in Minnesota was built (1860). In 1861, the engine for the Stella Whipple was manufactured here as well. Iron for bridges and engines for railroad elevators, automobiles, and river boats were manufactured in this earliest surviving industrial site in the state. This building in Hastings, Minn., was placed on the National Register of Historical Places on this date.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hastings_Foundry-Star_Iron_Works

Hastings Foundry-Star Iron Works, Hastings, Minn.

Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Dec. 31, 2014,
as long as acknowledgement included.