Fairmont Martins

Built in 1901, the Opera House has been completely restored. Listed in the National Registry of Historic Sites.

It was built as the First Church of Christ Scientist which was founded in Fairmont on October 1, 1891. Finished in 1898, the building was designed by prominent Minnesota architect Harry W. Jones and is an excellent example of Richardson Romanesque style of architecture. The building was constructed of massive Sioux quartzite (red rock) blocks which were quarried in southwest Minnesota. The red stone was combined with contrasting buff colored limestone for a polychromatic effect. The three gables at the top of the building each showcase three small arched stained glass windows while the main level of the building features 19 restored stained glass windows. The cornerstone came from Concord, New Hampshire, and contains many artifacts of Christian Science teaching and the local church history. The Red Rock Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been recognized by the Minnesota Preservation Alliance for saving and restoring this historic architectural treasure.

Open to the public. Construction started in April, 1906, with the dedication held on December 16, 1907. The first story is built of Marquette raindrop sandstone from Michigan. Second and third stories are built of Buff-Bedford limestone from Indiana. The building is classical in architecture. It is fireproof throughout. The dome extends 58 feet above the roof, making it 108 feet from the ground. The courthouse is located on the site of Old Fort Fairmount, built in 1862 at the time of the Dakota (Sioux) Uprising. Listed in the National Registry.

In 1866 Dr. Orville Chubb came to Martin County and built this, the oldest house in Fairmont. He is credited with founding the village of Fairmont.