1901 Map of Minneapolis

About this map

St. Louis Park and West Minneapolis stand as established railroad hubs in this late 19th-century landscape, positioned at the convergence of major lines like the Great Northern RR and the Minneapolis and St. Louis RR. The map reveals the intricate water network defining the region, from the iconic chain including Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles to the meandering course of Minnehaha Creek. Rural life south of the city is anchored by settlements such as Eden Prairie and Bloomington, where the Bloomington Ferry provided a critical crossing of the Minnesota River. Significant landmarks like the Washburn Home and the prominent elevation of Mt. Gilboa offer distinct geographic anchors for researchers. The presence of the St. Paul and Minneapolis Electric RR illustrates the early integration of the metropolitan area even as much of the surrounding terrain remained undeveloped township land.