SANDSTONE HISTORY & ART CENTER

SANDSTONE, MN

Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Hinckley, Minnesota

The Historic Pit
During the Great Hinckley Fire on September 1, 1894, this site, then known as the Gravel Pit, proved to be a God-send to those people who were not able to escape the Fire by train. It was It was on this railroad track that two trains, one passenger and one freight, coupled together to take over 400 people from the burning town and deliver them safely to Duluth. This pit, considered an eyesore to the people of Hinckley in 1894 was dug by the Eastern Minnesota Railroad to be used in making the roadbed for the train track. But, it was where about 100 people, along with many domestic and wild animals, found shelter from the Fire. 

The pit at that time was a three acre excavation, about thirty feet deep, with a spring that kept water in the depression. Because 1894 was a very dry year, there was only about three feet of water in the depression. Everyone who took shelter from the Fire here, however, was saved, except for one man who was overcome from heat and smoke. He fainted and was stepped on by a cow and died. The frightened people stayed in the water for about three hours and when they crawled out to see what was left of the town they were horrified to see the total devastation. Where once stood a busy and prosperous town was now just a pile of smoking ashes. The only buildings remaining were the Round House and the Water Tank on the south end of town where the railroad tracks intersect. 

Here the fire victims found shelter where they stayed until they could be rescued by train. Over the years, the pit has been filled in. At one time it was common to see boaters in the pit and also a foot bridge was built to connect one side of the pit to the other. Years later, the pit was developed for use by the Boy Scouts. Steps, a large council ring and small fire rings were constructed. In 1968, the Great Northern Railroad donated the pit area to the city of Hinckley. At that time a skating area and warming house was completed as well as a picnic shelter. In 1976, a hockey rink was built and a Youth Hockey program started.
Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Credit: rocbolt

The Sandstone History & Art Center is a museum located in Sandstone, Minnesota. The museum is housed in the former Sandstone Public School building, which was built in 1908. The building served as a school until 1982 when it was closed due to declining enrollment. In 1992, the building was purchased by the city of Sandstone and was renovated to become the Sandstone History & Art Center.

The museum features exhibits on the history of Sandstone and the surrounding area. Exhibits include displays on the railroad, quarrying, and the Civilian Conservation Corps. The museum also has a collection of local artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.

In addition to the exhibits, the Sandstone History & Art Center also hosts events and programs throughout the year. These events include art shows, historical reenactments, and educational programs for children.

The Sandstone History & Art Center is a popular destination for visitors to the area. The museum is open year-round, and admission is free. Visitors can explore the exhibits and learn about the rich history and culture of Sandstone and the surrounding area.

SANDSTONE HISTORY & ART CENTER is a Uncategorized or General Museum in SANDSTONE MN. US MID #8402700731

The museum is classed as GMU (Uncategorized or General Museums). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Midwest (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin).

Contact SANDSTONE HISTORY & ART CENTER

SANDSTONE HISTORY & ART CENTER
PO BOX 398
SANDSTONE
MN
55072-0398

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SANDSTONE HISTORY & ART CENTER Information

MID # 8402700731
Name SANDSTONE HISTORY & ART CENTER
Alternate Name
Classification Uncategorized or General Museums, , Midwest
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 931061963
NTEECC A50
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201212
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 46.093956, -92.825028
CODES FIPS State Code: 27
FIPS County Code: 115
US Census Tract: 950400
US Census Block: 3080