Development Part 1: The Earliest Phase Geography of the Twin Cities Development Part 1: The Earliest Phase David A. Lanegran Geography Department Macalester College

Fort Snelling      Once the second war between England and the former colonies/United States was over, the American Government and business community moved into the upper reaches of the Mississippi River area to establish control over the fur trade and other resources. Fort Snelling was built on the heights, commanding the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota (then called the St. Peter) River. The fort firmly established American control over the area.

The invention of the steam boat in the 1820s revolutionized travel in the American interior. For the first time ever, boats carrying large cargo loads could travel upstream and adhere to a schedule. The boats were shallow draft and could pull up to the bank with ease. Therefore, almost any dry bank could function as a level place for the loading and unload of goods. Once the boats were in use on the river, the relative location of Minnesota changed and the settlers flocked into the area.

In 1848, after the Wisconsin Territory became a state, the portion of Wisconsin Territory west of the St. Croix was joined with the portion of Dakota Territory east of the Missouri to create the new Minnesota Territory. This map indicates the settlement pattern moving from west to east. St. Paul became the capital of the new territory and the center of all political, economic and cultural activities.