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Mar 18, 1980
National Register of Historic Places - Pierce J. Kniss House
Statement of Significance: The Kniss/Welch house stands as one of the finest homes in southwestern Minnesota, few homes in the area display such a commanding presence. Probably no other house in Rock County is as nicely finished inside. In addition to architectural significance, the house is associated with two important county personalities, a noted early building firm, and the county's best known early architect, The partnership of Joseph H. Jones and George Soutan built the original house for P.J, Kniss in 1878-79. They also built the First National and Rock County banks and several other early business establishments. Kniss is often regarded as one of the founders of Luverne. His 1870 log cabin was the second house in the future town. Kniss surveyed the original townsite. He became the city's leading entrepreneur. He ran a real estate office, opened the first bank in the county, contracted to build railroads in the area, and served in the State House of Representatives. Judge P.E. Brown bought the mansion in 1896. In 1901, he commissioned architect W.E.E. Greene to remodel and expand the house. Greene also designed Holy Trinity Church, the Carnegie Library, and Maplewood Chapel The Richard Welch family bought the house in 1969. They have worked diligently to restore the house.
National Register of Historic Places - Pierce J. Kniss House
Statement of Significance: The Kniss/Welch house stands as one of the finest homes in southwestern Minnesota, few homes in the area display such a commanding presence. Probably no other house in Rock County is as nicely finished inside. In addition to architectural significance, the house is associated with two important county personalities, a noted early building firm, and the county's best known early architect, The partnership of Joseph H. Jones and George Soutan built the original house for P.J, Kniss in 1878-79. They also built the First National and Rock County banks and several other early business establishments. Kniss is often regarded as one of the founders of Luverne. His 1870 log cabin was the second house in the future town. Kniss surveyed the original townsite. He became the city's leading entrepreneur. He ran a real estate office, opened the first bank in the county, contracted to build railroads in the area, and served in the State House of Representatives. Judge P.E. Brown bought the mansion in 1896. In 1901, he commissioned architect W.E.E. Greene to remodel and expand the house. Greene also designed Holy Trinity Church, the Carnegie Library, and Maplewood Chapel The Richard Welch family bought the house in 1969. They have worked diligently to restore the house.
Mar 18, 1980
Posted Date
Aug 12, 2022
Historical Record Date
Mar 18, 1980
Source Name
National Register of Historic Places
