The Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children was established in 1885 in Owatonna, Minnesota. It served as a residential facility for children who were orphaned, abandoned, or neglected. The school aimed to provide a safe environment and education for these children, helping them to develop skills for future independence. Over the years, the institution underwent various changes and eventually closed in 1945. The site is now home to the Owatonna Arts Center, which preserves the history of the school while promoting community arts and culture. The legacy of the school remains significant in discussions about child welfare and institutional care.