This exhibit highlights the history of the Dakota people who lived in the area for centuries before European settlers arrived, as well as the German immigrants who founded New Ulm in 1857.

The conflict was a major turning point in Minnesota history, and the exhibit tells the stories of the people who were caught up in the violence.

Initially allocated $39,000, there was significant pushback in New Ulm upon receiving the preliminary plans, as they were deemed to lack architectural beauty.

Overseen by supervising architect James Knox Taylor of Washington and constructed by contractors Stewart and Hager of Janesville, Wisconsin, the building was designed with the German heritage of New Ulm in mind and was eventually completed and opened in 1910.

[3] The building features a grand main entrance facing south on Center Street with a Doric pediment, cornice, and squared columns.

The unique character of this building results primarily from the unusually steep roof, flanked by the stepped gable and dormer ends.