Minneapolis-St. Paul Then and Now Book

Saint Paul, the capital of Minnesota since 1849, and its twin city Minneapolis, a few miles to the west, have enjoyed a special relationship since their early days. Fittingly for a city that has 18 of Minnesota's 12,034 lakes within its limits, Minneapolis derives its name from the Dakota word for water (minne) together with the Greek word for city. The original purpose of the city was to process Minnesota's grain, harnessing the St. Anthony Falls to power the mills. Saint Paul was pivotal to the trade in lumber and fur and is notable for its beautifully designed cathedral, its American Indian heritage, and its picturesque boulevards and squares. Today, both cities are prosperous and vibrant, loaded with history, culture, and great architecture, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in America.