It was built around 1890 by the Winona and St. Peter Railroad, a subsidiary of the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company.

[2] The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 for having local significance in the theme of transportation.

[3] It was nominated for being the sole surviving structure of a railroad shop complex that was a major local employer and a component of the rail network that fueled Winona's economy.

[2] The building continued to serve as a locomotive shop until the Chicago and North Western removed its maintenance operations from Winona.

Media related to Winona and St. Peter Engine House at Wikimedia Commons