11 Things You Didn't Know About The History Of Minneapolis
By Betsy Rathburn|Published March 20, 2020
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Most of us who live here like to think we know Minneapolis pretty well. From restaurants and bars to natural areas and entire neighborhoods, we each have our own favorite spots to spend time. Despite what we know about Minneapolis today, many of us aren’t aware of some of the city’s historic secrets. Read on to learn 11 facts about the history of Minneapolis that you probably didn’t know.
1. Betty Crocker got her start on the radio in 1924. She had her own cooking show recorded at a Minneapolis radio station.
5. Speaking of stadiums, the Vikings' new home at U.S. Bank Stadium broke records as one of the most expensive ever, thanks to its $1.1 billion price tag.
6. Minneapolis was home to the first bridge crossing on the Mississippi River. The original bridge is long gone, but you can still see some remains at First Bridge Park.
8. Saint Anthony Falls was the only waterfall on the entire Mississippi River. Its beauty attracted tourists in the early 1800s, but it was quickly ruined by industrialization. Today, the collapsed waterfall only exists due to a series of locks and dams.
9. In 1878, the Washburn A Mill - the largest mill in the world - exploded in Minneapolis. Sadly, 18 workers lost their lives, but the tragic event led to overall improvements to mill safety standards.
10. Given the cold climate, it's no wonder the Twin Cities are the birthplace of the world's first furnace thermostat. This one actually happened in St. Paul, but it's so important that we had to include it.
