1890- Cornerstone of the first Academy laid. The Dominican Sisters were to staff the new school.

1891- February 19, fire destroyed the newly completed Academy. There was no insurance. Drought and economic depression dashed all hopes of rebuilding. The ruins stood there for nearly a decade.

1899- A group of German Sisters of St. Francis, who worked with the Jesuits on the Rosebud Indian reservation, came through O'Neill and were beseeched by Father Cassidy to establish a school and undertake the rebuilding of St. Mary's. After prayerful consideration, they agreed. The Jesuits assisted in the building design.