1153 - Carved Riverfront Mural by Anny Scott Plummer

This Riverfront Mural was created in 1994, and was designed by Anne Scott Plummer.

This mural chronologically depicts the history and progress of the Rochester area. The first image on the left is a Paleo-Indian spearhead, produced between 7000 and 5000 B.C. Above is a sacred ceremonial pipe, historically used by local Native Americans. Conestoga wagons brought settlers to the region in the early 19th century. Below, bison were an important source of food, clothing, and other necessities for the Native Americans. The Dakota tribes produced earthenware pots from local clay deposits and erected tepees along the banks of the Zumbro River. Above, Canada geese gather on Silver Lake by the thousands during the winter months.

The large central wagon wheel or mill wheel symbolizes the wheel of progress, which Rochester cultivates. The Olds and Fishback Mill was one of several flour mills located on the banks of teh Zumbro during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The water-pumping windmill and the Holstein cow represent farming and the dairy industry of the region. Mayo Clinic’s Plummer building was built in 1928 and represents the important role that medical care has played in the community. The personal computer represents the importance of the IBM company to the community.

In the background across the entire mural is the Zumbro River as it runs through downtown Rochester, including Silver Lake. An aerial view of the contour farming strips surrounding Rochester covers the lower portion of the mural. Behind the Plummer building is the tornado of 1883, a catalyst for the forming of the clinic and St. Mary’s Hospital. The final mural panel depicts ripe corn, a major crop of the region.

We hope you enjoy this mural, and all the incredible works of art throughout Rochester, along our Talking Trail!