1896 Map of St. Paul

Rural sections of Dakota Co. and Washington Co. reveal a transition from agricultural land to industrial suburbs, with South St. Paul and Inver Grove emerging along the riverbanks. To the west, the landscape is dotted with numerous small lakes like Blackhawk Lake, Thomas Lake, and Holland Lake, many of which sit within the growing townships of Egan and Rosemount. Local landmarks such as Minnehaha Falls and the residential enclaves of Merriam Park and St. Anthony Park reflect the era's rapid urban expansion.