Mount Saint Bernard Seminary and Barn, university building in Table Mound Township, Iowa
Mount Saint Bernard Seminary and Barn is a mid-1800s stone complex built in Greek Revival style south of Dubuque, featuring a main seminary building and adjacent barn. The structures display classical proportions with large columns and symmetrical windows typical of the era, positioned on grounds overlooking Carter Lake.
The seminary was founded in 1850 when Bishop Mathias Loras sought an isolated location to train priests away from city distractions. Economic pressures from the Panic of 1857 and church decisions about consolidating seminaries led to its closure in 1860, though the tradition of priestly education continued elsewhere in the diocese.
The name honors Saint Bernard, a figure central to Catholic tradition and monastic life. The layout and architecture express the values of its founders, who sought a quiet space dedicated to prayer and education away from city distractions.
The site is situated in a quiet rural setting that is easy to reach and explore on foot. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear for walking on natural terrain and allow time to view the buildings from different angles around the grounds.
A tall steel cross was installed on the original seminary grounds in 1937 and could be seen from far away, especially when illuminated at night. Later, sculptor Christian Petersen created a nearly 11-foot-tall statue of Saint Bernard for the site, requiring special ice blocks to carefully lower it into place during installation.
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