133rd Anniversary of the Tornado that Led to the Creation of Mayo Clinic

133 years ago an F5 tornado ripped through Rochester. Dozens were killed and over 200 others were injured by the storms. 

The National Weather Service reports, "Prior to these tornadoes, there were only 3 hospitals in the state of Minnesota outside of the Twin Cities. None of these hospitals were located near Rochester. After the F5 tornado struck Rochester, a dance hall (Rommel Hall) was transformed into a temporary emergency room. Doctors William Mayo and his two sons (William and Charles) took charge of caring for patients. Mother May Alfred Moes of the Sisters of St. Francis helped care for patients as well. After this disaster the Mayo family and the Sisters of St. Francis realized the need of a hospital in Rochester. They banded together to form St. Mary's Hospital, which ultimately led to the creation of the Mayo Clinic."