1902 Map of White Bear

About this map

White Bear Lake and its surrounding wetlands define this turn-of-the-century landscape north of the Twin Cities. The area is characterized by an extensive network of lakes and marshes, most notably the Wiregrass Marsh which dominates the northern townships of Ham Lake and Blaine. This environment necessitated early hydraulic engineering, evident in the network of Ditch and Canal segments that drain the land. To the south, the emergence of New Brighton as a regional hub is marked by the presence of the Minneapolis Stock Yards and the convergence of several rail lines, including the St. Paul & Duluth R.R. and the Northern Pacific R.R.. Infrastructure for the growing metropolitan area is well-established, with the Minneapolis Reservoir and various Pumping Stations and Artesian Wells strategically placed to harness the region's abundant water resources.