Saint Paul, Minnesota

Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota and the county seat of Ramsey County.

Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota and the county seat of Ramsey County. It is the state’s second-most populous city and forms one half of the Twin Cities with Minneapolis. The city lies along the Mississippi River and is a major centre for government, education, health care, and finance.

History

Saint Paul began as a settlement known as Pig’s Eye before becoming St. Paul in the mid-19th century. It was designated the capital of Minnesota Territory in 1849 and later developed as an important river and rail centre.

Geography

The city sits on the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota, opposite Minneapolis. Its location near the river’s head of navigation and its bluffs helped shape its growth and development.

Government and economy

Saint Paul uses a strong mayor-council system and serves as Minnesota’s political centre. It is also a significant regional hub for education, health care, finance, and manufacturing.

Twin Cities metropolitan area

Saint Paul and Minneapolis form the core of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, commonly called the Twin Cities. The metro area is one of the largest in the Midwest and is a major economic and population centre.