Population: 5 344.861 thousand people (2011)
Area: 225181.0 sq. km
Minnesota is located in the midwestern United States. Its capital is Saint Paul. On the territory of the state there are such large cities as Minneapolis, Duluth, Bloomington, Rochester and Brooklyn Park. In terms of area, it is in 12th place among the states. In the west, the territory of Minnesota shares a border with North and South Dakota, in the east with Wisconsin, in the south with Iowa. The northern and northwestern lands of the state border on the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba.
In some places, natural reservoirs lie between them, including Lake Superior, as well as the Pidgin and Rainy rivers. To the northwest and west are the prairies. The central and southern lands occupy a flat plain. Northern Minnesota lies on a crystalline shield. There are more than 15 thousand lakes here. One third of the state’s territory is occupied by forests. The area is dominated by a temperate continental climate. The coldest place is the city of International Falls.
On the territory of the modern state, before the arrival of Europeans, the Indian tribes of the Cheyenne, Winebago, Sioux, and Ojibwe lived here. According to an unverified version, Scandinavians visited these places in the 14th century. In 1679, the Frenchman Daniel Duluth, who arrived on the local lands, ranked modern Minnesota as a possession of France. After the Seven Years’ War in 1763, the territory of the modern state became subject to Great Britain.
Minnesota entered the Union in the late spring of 1858 and became the 32nd state of the country. The adoption of the constitution took place in 1858. Significant economic growth began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At that time, steel mills began to produce their products in Duluth. Their discovery took place in 1915.
Minnesota is an industrial state. In its cities are the central offices of large companies. On the territory of the state there are enterprises for the extraction of iron ore, gravel, sand, stone. Developed industries such as printing, food industry, engineering. Produced computer equipment. In agricultural areas, they grow soybeans, corn, wheat, seeded grasses, and are engaged in dairy farming.
MINNEAPOLIS
Population: 400,070 thousand people (2013)
Area: 151.3 sq. km
Founded: 1867
Time zone: UTC-6, summer UTC-5
Altitude: 264 m
Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota. It is located in the east of the state, spread among numerous lakes, 24 of which lie within the city limits. Because of this, Minneapolis earned the nickname “City of Lakes”. The great Mississippi River divides the city into two parts. Near Minneapolis is the capital of Minnesota, Saint Paul. Together they form a large agglomeration known as the Twin Cities.
The name “Minneapolis” is of mixed origin. “Polis” is known to be “city” in Greek. And the first part of the toponym came from the Dakota languages and means “water”. The idea to name the settlement so came from the first local school teacher. The Dakota Indians were the original inhabitants of the area until the arrival of the first traders and fur hunters in the 17th century. Permanent settlements in the Minneapolis area did not appear until 1817. In 1867, Minneapolis received city status.
Modern Minneapolis ranks first in the list of “healthy” cities in the United States. It is also quite an interesting city. The sights of Minneapolis are represented by the Basilica of St. Mary (1914), several art centers, theaters and concert venues, the American Swedish Institute (actually a museum).
Minneapolis is also a sports center. Local professional teams are represented in every league in the country (baseball, basketball, hockey, American football), and Minneapolis sports arenas are important cultural and community sites. The city’s restaurants have repeatedly received awards of the all-American level, and the city itself is recognized as a model of a new national cuisine.
ROCHESTER
Population: 110.742 thousand people (2013)
Area: 103.0 sq. km
Founded: 1854
Time zone: UTC-6, summer UTC-5
Altitude: 312 m
Zip code: 55901, 55902, 55903, 55904, 55906
The city of Rochester is one of the largest settlements in the state. It has the status of the capital center of Olmsted County, which is part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. The urban area stretches along both banks of the Sumbro River. There are also several artificial and natural lakes within Rochester. One of them serves as a cooling pond for a nearby power plant. The warm water of the lake and, as a result, favorable conditions for the habitat of representatives of the fauna, attracted many birds at one time. Among them are migrating Canadian geese (goose), which have become a symbol of Rochester. Thanks to the positive temperature, the lake does not freeze in winter and serves as a safe haven for feathered inhabitants.
The local economy prospers due to the activities of industrial companies producing radio-electronic equipment and devices, medical devices, food products. But Rochester’s main employer remains the Mayo Clinic. It is a large private medical center. Its buildings occupy much of downtown Rochester. It is informally known as “Medical City”.
The area where Rochester now stretches was in the pre-Columbian period the home of indigenous peoples, in particular the Ojibwe, Winnebago, Sioux. With the arrival of Europeans, most of them were forced to leave their huts and move to the reservation. In the middle of the 19th century, the territory of the modern city became part of the state of Minnesota.
In 1854, a settlement appeared here, the founder of which was George Head. He named it South Fork, where, in addition to the family home, a tavern soon appeared. Two years later, new residents settled in the settlement, and by 1858, about 1,500 people already lived here. At the same time, Rochester, which grew out of the settlement of South Fork, became the county seat of Olmsted County. With the commissioning of the railway, the number of townspeople increased significantly due to immigrants.
At the end of the summer of 1883, a tornado that hit the city damaged many buildings and caused the death of 37 people. Due to the lack of medical care, the functions of orderlies were taken over by the townspeople Mayo and his sons. In 1889, he managed to open a private hospital thanks to the help of the convent of St. Francis in the form of a donation in the amount of 60 thousand dollars. Now it is one of the largest medical centers in the world.
Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth, Minnesota, situated on the western tip of Lake Superior, has a rich history shaped by its strategic location as a major port and its economic ties to shipping, mining, and the timber industry. The city’s history is closely tied to the development of the Great Lakes region, and its climate, influenced by its northern location and proximity to Lake Superior, contributes to its distinctive seasonal patterns and outdoor activities.
Duluth’s history dates back to the mid-19th century when it was established as a settlement around the time of the Minnesota Territorial Road’s construction in 1853. The city’s growth was significantly accelerated by the discovery of iron ore in the nearby Mesabi Range and Vermilion Range, leading to a boom in mining activity. Duluth became a vital transportation hub for shipping iron ore from the mines to the rest of the country.
The city’s strategic location at the westernmost point of Lake Superior and the terminus of several major railroads contributed to its emergence as a major port. The Duluth Ship Canal, completed in 1871, allowed larger ships to enter the harbor, further enhancing Duluth’s position in the shipping industry.
Duluth’s economy was also driven by the timber industry, with vast forests in the surrounding region providing a valuable resource for logging. Timber was transported to Duluth, where it was processed and shipped to markets across the United States.
According to Securitypology, Duluth’s climate is classified as humid continental, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The proximity to Lake Superior has a moderating effect on temperatures, resulting in cooler summers and milder winters compared to areas further inland. Average high temperatures in the summer months range from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-23°C), while winter highs typically range from the teens to mid-20s Fahrenheit (-9 to -4°C). The city experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year, with significant snowfall in the winter months.
The changing seasons contribute to the variety of outdoor activities enjoyed by Duluth residents. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the shores of Lake Superior, numerous parks, and the scenic North Shore. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, biking, skiing, and water sports. Canal Park, a waterfront district, offers scenic views of the lake, lighthouses, and the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge.
Duluth’s commitment to preserving its history is evident in its well-maintained historic districts and landmarks. The Glensheen Historic Estate, a 20,000-square-foot mansion, provides a glimpse into the life of a prominent family in the early 20th century. The Historic Arts and Theater District showcases the city’s cultural heritage through galleries, theaters, and performance spaces.
The city’s arts and cultural scene is further enhanced by events such as the Duluth Superior Film Festival and the Homegrown Music Festival, which celebrate local talent and contribute to the vibrant arts community.
Duluth’s economy has evolved over the years, with a transition from a reliance on heavy industry to a more diversified economic base. Tourism plays a significant role, drawing visitors to the city’s natural attractions, cultural events, and recreational opportunities. The medical and healthcare sector, as well as educational institutions like the University of Minnesota Duluth, contribute to the city’s economic stability and growth.
In recent years, Duluth has focused on sustainable development and environmental initiatives, reflecting the city’s commitment to preserving its natural surroundings. Efforts to revitalize the waterfront, enhance public spaces, and promote green practices align with the community’s appreciation for the outdoors.
Duluth, Minnesota, stands as a city with a history deeply tied to the economic development of the Great Lakes region. From its role as a major port and transportation hub to its current status as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and a center for arts and culture, Duluth reflects the resilience and adaptability of cities in the northern United States. The city’s climate, marked by distinct seasons and influenced by Lake Superior, adds to the unique experiences enjoyed by its residents and makes Duluth a distinctive and appealing place to live and visit.
