Blind Department Building and Dow Hall, State School for the Blind

The Blind Department Building and Dow Hall featured neoclassical architecture with grand columns and symmetrical design elements spanning multiple floors.

The buildings originated in 1874 when the state purchased Alexander Faribault's residence to establish specialized education facilities for visually impaired students.

The Minnesota State Academy for the Blind developed programs combining academic instruction with vocational training to support students with visual impairments.

The structures served educational purposes until safety concerns led to their removal, with preservation of foundation stones and placement of historical markers.

The ground floor stonework remains visible at the original location, preserving physical evidence of this early specialized education institution.

Location: Faribault

Inception: 1874

Architectural style: neoclassicism

GPS coordinates: 44.28667,-93.26006

Latest update: September 23, 2025 14:25