Modern Highway Photos: Southern Dakota County and Hastings

Northbound on U.S. 61 at 19th Street, approaching the junction with State Highway 291.

At the actual junction with State Highway 291, authorized in 1951 as the route to the Minnesota Veterans' Home at Hastings. The junction has been at this site (18th Street) since 1970. It was previously further north at 10th Street.

The historic LeDuc House in Hastings, completed in 1865. It was the first property acquired by the Dakota County Historical Society (in late 1950's) and is now a museum. (More info can be found at the here).

Looking north from the median at 16th Street.

An old gas station at the southeast corner of Vermillion and 15th Streets, unable to compete with the modern stations across the street. It has since been demolished.

Approaching the junction with State Highway 55, looking north between 14th and 12th Streets.

Northbound at the junction with and eastern terminus of State Highway 55. Highway 55, the route between Hastings and Minneapolis, has terminated at this site since it was first marked in 1934. Highway 55 had previously been marked as old Trunk Highway 53 (one of the constitutional routes) between Hastings and Pine Bend, which also terminated here from 1931 until being renumbered as 55 in 1934. The Hastings High Bridge is just visible ahead.

Northbound at 10th Street. This was the site of the original junction with State Highway 291 from 1951 until 1970, when its alignment was moved south to 18th Street.