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History & Education
Born on the banks of the Mississippi River, modern Minneapolis is the product of native ingenuity, immigrant innovation and the region's natural beauty.
Charting the Waters: 1680—1850
The Sioux and Ojibwe people have long called this land home. Father Louis Hennepin christened scenic St. Anthony Falls in the 1680s, marking the site of the nascent city. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and the construction of Ft. Snelling in the 1820s drew more Europeans to this pristine region for trading, trapping and settlement.
Flour Power: 1850—1930
St. Anthony Falls fueled the city's lucrative flour milling industry. Minneapolis quickly became the milling capital of the world, establishing modern corporate giants such as Cargill, General Mills and Pillsbury. Tourists and artists flocked to the only waterfall on the Mississippi and the Stone Arch Bridge. The landmark bridge was constructed in 1883 and continues to attract sight-seers today.
Coming of Age: 1930s—Present
A progressive city claiming many commercial, political, medical and cultural firsts, Minneapolis continues to make history. With 19 Fortune 500 companies, including Northwest Airlines, Target and 3M, Minnesota's business community continues to thrive. Minneapolis now hosts one of the largest Hmong and Somali populations in the country along with other diverse groups. A commitment to education, including 4 public and 8 private colleges and universities, contribute to the city's highly educated workforce and innovative culture.
Looking Ahead: 2008 Republican National Convention
In September, 45,000+ people will converge on Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the Republican National Convention. That's slightly bigger than the last time we hosted this event—way back in 1892. But with world-class restaurants, internationally renowned arts and the highest voter turn-out rates in the country, we're ready.
- See a list of things to do.
we-recommend
It's Minnesota's 150th birthday!
Indulge in Minnesota history at various events celebrating influential people, places and events that shaped the state of Minnesota.
St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail
1.8 mile interpretive loop crosses the Stone Arch Bridge and includes a series of self-guided historical markers.
Mill City Museum
Talk about kid-friendly fun: an interactive water area, Flour Tour, baking lab and the film "Minneapolis in 19 minutes".
Mill Ruins Park
This crown jewel of the historic riverfront is a unique area of 19th-century mill foundation walls, canals and other historic resources.
Discover More
- Learn about famous Minnesotans
- Find out what happened this day in Minnesota history
- Discover more Minneapolis history
