Minnesota is famous for its “Twin Cities,” but the origin of this nickname is more complex than many realize. This article delves into the history of Minneapolis and St. Paul, exploring the evolution of the “Twin Cities” moniker and highlighting the distinct characteristics of each city.
The common understanding is that “Twin Cities” refers to Minneapolis and St. Paul. However, in the mid-1800s, Minneapolis’s original “twin” wasn’t St. Paul at all. According to the Minnesota Historical Society, the initial “Twin City” was actually St. Anthony, a town founded by gamblers east of St. Anthony Falls.
In the 1840s, settlers established Minneapolis on the west side of the Mississippi River, across from St. Anthony. These two settlements coexisted as the “Twin Cities” for two decades before merging into a single Minneapolis in 1872. While St. Paul existed during this period, its distance of over 14 miles made it a day’s journey by carriage, effectively excluding it from the “twin” designation.
The Evolution of the Twin Cities
With St. Anthony absorbed into Minneapolis, St. Paul emerged as the remaining major city in close proximity. Over time, both cities developed independently. Minneapolis flourished as the “Mill City,” the world’s flour milling capital, attracting significant industry and wealth. Concurrently, St. Paul, as Minnesota’s capital, thrived through wholesaling, transportation, and even a period of prohibition-era prosperity fueled by gangsters.
It wasn’t until the completion of Interstate 94 in 1968 that the modern “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and St. Paul became truly interconnected. This connection cemented their status as a major metropolitan area, second only to Chicago in the Midwest.
Distinct Characters of Minneapolis and St. Paul
Their independent growth fostered unique identities for each city. St. Paul exudes a historical charm with its brick architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, highlighted by the magnificent St. Paul Cathedral and State Capitol. Residents often describe St. Paul as having a smaller, friendlier, and more neighborly atmosphere.
Minneapolis, on the other hand, boasts a modern urban landscape with gleaming skyscrapers, trendy neighborhoods, and a vibrant downtown scene. Its residents enjoy a wider selection of bars, restaurants, and a bustling city life. This friendly rivalry is rooted in a historical competition between the two cities, even extending to census manipulation and the naming of the Minnesota Twins baseball team to appease both sides.
Defining the Borders: A Blurred Line
Despite their distinct identities, the boundaries between Minneapolis and St. Paul have become increasingly blurred due to continuous development and interconnectedness. Attempts to define the official border, like urban geographer Bill Lindeke’s 2013 endeavor documented in MinnPost, reveal undefined lines, often marked by unusual and ambiguous features.
The Twin Cities Today: A Thriving Metropolis
Regardless of the blurred lines, Minneapolis and St. Paul together form a thriving metropolitan area, attracting nearly 60% of Minnesota’s population and hosting over 20 Fortune 500 companies. The “Twin Cities” boast a strong job market, robust infrastructure, and continuous growth, perhaps fueled by the historical competition that shaped their individual characters.
The “Twin Cities” represent a unique blend of history, rivalry, and collaboration. While their origins lie in a different pairing, the modern iteration of Minneapolis and St. Paul as the “Twin Cities” embodies a dynamic and prosperous metropolitan area, central to Minnesota’s identity and economic vitality.
