1896 Map of St. Paul

About this map

St. Paul and the confluence of the Mississippi River and Minnesota River anchor this late 19th-century survey, revealing a landscape defined by the strategic intersection of water and rail. The urban core of St. Paul is shown in dense detail, while the surrounding townships of Eagan, Mendota, and Inver Grove remain largely rural, dotted with glacial lakes such as Fish Lake, Holland Lake, and Rogers Lake. This period captures the height of the railroad era, with several major lines like the Northern Pacific and the Chicago Great Western threading through the river valley and supporting industrial nodes at South St. Paul and Newport. Significant landmarks include the Fort Snelling Military Reservation and Pike Island, marking the historic gateway to the region. The map also delineates early neighborhoods and rail suburbs such as Merriam Park, Prospect Park, and Dayton Bluff, providing a clear view of the Twin Cities' outward growth during the 1890s.