History of St. Paul

St. Paul was founded in the 1840s as a trading settlement along the Mississippi River by pioneers like Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant. It quickly grew into an important commercial hub and Minnesota’s capital city. Key moments in St. Paul history include:1838 – Pig’s Eye Parrant establishes a tavern that becomes the origins of St. Paul1841 – Father Lucien Galtier builds first chapel, leading to the name St. Paul1848 – Minnesota Territory established with St. Paul named the capital1860 – St. Paul incorporates as a city1880s – Railroad expansion transforms St. Paul into a major rail center1917 – Minnesota State Capitol building completed1930s – Many Works Progress Administration buildings constructed in St. Paul1967 – Minnesota North Stars NHL team debuts in St. Paul (later Dallas Stars)

St. Paul Demographics

As of the 2020 census, St. Paul had a population of 311,527 residents. Key demographics include:50.8% White, 15.7% Black, 9.3% Asian, 9.2% Hispanic/LatinoMedian age 34.4 years oldEstimated median household income of $57,757

Government & Politics

St. Paul has a mayor-council system. The mayor is elected to 4-year terms along with 7 ward city council members. Current mayor Melvin Carter took office in 2018. St. Paul leans strongly Democratic) politically.Key St. Paul government offices:Mayor’s Office – (651) 266-8510City Council – (651) 266-8560City Clerk – (651) 266-8688

Major Companies & Economy

Major companies headquartered in St. Paul include:Ecolab – Global provider of hygiene and energy technologiesSecurian Financial – Diversified financial services companyTravelers – Major insurance and investment management firm3M – Multinational conglomerate operating in St. Paul since 1910Land O’Lakes – Fortune 500 dairy cooperative and food company

Colleges & Universities

St. Paul is home to several higher education institutions including:University of St. Thomas) – Private Catholic university with over 10,000 students. stthomas.eduConcordia University) – Private Lutheran liberal arts college. csp.eduMcNally Smith College of Music – Specialized college focused on music industry career training. mcnallysmith.eduSt. Paul College – Public two-year community and technical college. saintpaul.edu

Transportation & Public Transit

• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – Services both Minneapolis and St. Paul. mspairport.comMetro Transit) – Extensive bus and light rail system. metrotransit.orgAmtrak – Passenger train services at Union Depot) station. amtrak.comNice Ride Minnesota – Bike sharing system. niceridemn.com
• Major interstates, bus systems, and the Mississippi River also facilitate transportation in St. Paul.

Sports Teams & Venues

St. Paul is home to:Minnesota Wild – NHL hockey team playing at the Xcel Energy Center. nhl.com/wildSt. Paul Saints – Independent league baseball at CHS Field. saintsbaseball.comMinnesota United FC – MLS soccer team playing in St. Paul before moving to Minneapolis. mnufc.comSt. Thomas Tommies_Tommies_and_Oles) – NCAA Division I teams in hockey, basketball, and more. tommieathletics.com

Arts & Culture

• Ordway Center for Performing Arts – Home to theater, dance, music, and more. ordway.orgMinnesota Museum of American Art – Focused on American art and artists. mmaa.orgScience Museum of Minnesota – Massive science museum spanning natural history, technology, and exhibits. smm.orgCathedral of Saint Paul) – Iconic cathedral known for stunning architecture. cathedralsaintpaul.orgFitzgerald Theater – Historic theater hosting concerts and live radio shows. fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org
• St. Paul has a thriving arts community across music, visual arts, museums, and performing venues.

Parks & Outdoors

• Como Park Zoo – Free zoo with gorillas, polar bears, seals, and more. comozooconservatory.orgIndian Mounds Park) – Features 6 prehistoric Native American burial mounds. stpaul.gov/indian-mounds-parkHidden Falls Regional Park – Trails across rugged Minnesota landscape and the Mississippi River. stpaul.gov/hidden-falls-regional-parkCathedral Hill Park – Downtown park with gardens, an amphitheater, and sledding.Summit Hill Neighborhood – Iconic historic homes and Governor’s Residence.
• St. Paul has over 170 parks ranging from small neighborhood spots to the 1,500+ acre Como Regional Park.

Famous St. Paul Landmarks

• Cathedral of Saint Paul) – Distinctive cathedral overlooking downtown.Minnesota State Capitol – Granite dome state capitol building. mn.gov/admin/capitolLandmark Center) – Historic former federal building now event/cultural center. landmarkcenter.orgJames J. Hill House – Mansion of railroad magnate James J. Hill. mnhs.org/hillhouseComo Park Zoo – Home to beloved Sparky the sea lion.

Where to Stay in St. Paul

St. Paul accommodations range from historic inns to luxury hotels. Top areas include:Downtown – Close to Xcel arena and attractions. Options like the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, Hyatt Regency, and Holiday Inn.Cathedral Hill – Next to the stunning St. Paul Cathedral. Boutique hotels like the Covington Inn.Summit Hill – Near historic mansions with hotels like The Saint Paul Hotel.West Side – Neighborhood along the Mississippi River. Unique stays at Hotel 340.Near the Airport – Ideal for a first or last night. Brands like Best Western Plus.

St. Paul Public Schools

The St. Paul Public School District
oversees public education for around 34,000 K-12 students across more
than 60 schools. The district is run by a superintendent and elected
school board. Top-rated schools include Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented
Magnet, St. Paul Music Academy, and Como Park Senior High. St. Paul graduation rates average around 80%.There
are over 35 charter schools in St. Paul as alternatives to district
schools. St. Paul also participates in integration programs with Minneapolis Public Schools.

Additional Local Resources

• Visit St. PaulSt. Paul Parks & RecSt. Paul ChamberPioneer Press
• From
  the majestic Cathedral to Como Zoo, world-class museums and diverse
  neighborhoods, St. Paul offers a great blend of history, art, and
  recreation. Though small, Minnesota’s capital city shines bright.Mississippi River Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant Lucien GaltierMinnesota Territory Minnesota State Capitol Works Progress Administration Minnesota North Stars Dallas Stars Mayor-council system Melvin Carter Democratic Party (United States)) Ecolab Securian Financial Travelers 3M Land O’Lakes Gross domestic product University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)) Concordia University (Saint Paul)) McNally Smith College of Music Saint Paul College Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport Metro Transit (Minnesota)) Amtrak Union Depot (Saint Paul)) Nice Ride Minnesota Minnesota Wild Xcel Energy Center St. Paul Saints CHS Field Minnesota United FC St. Thomas (Minnesota) Tommies_Tommies_and_Oles) Ordway Center for Performing Arts Minnesota Museum of American Art Science Museum of Minnesota Cathedral of Saint Paul) [Fitzgerald Theater](https://en.wikipedia.