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Historical Review

Historical Review Current Land Use Open Space Systems Visual and Sectional analysis Water Issues Ecologies of Site Ecologies of the Larger Context Past Master Plans and Projects Cultural Events PrecedentsMap of the Site

1883 - Stone Arch Bridge completed to support railroad shipping

1885 - Final expanded waterpower canal system completed

1910 - Last sawmill shuts down

1965 - Last flour mill shuts down

1963 - St. Anthony Falls l o c k a n d d a m s y s t e m completed

1930 - Gradual relocation of flour mills begins

1998-2003 - Mil l Ruins Park excavation/opening; Mill City Museum opening

1 9 7 2 - M i s s i s s i p p i /Minneapolis plan begins gradual redevelopment

1838 - Frankl in Steele stakes claim to Falls and surrounding land

1848-58 - First dam and w a t e r p o w e r s y s t e m s completed

Key Events Timeline

Early History1830 - 1860St. Anthony Falls was historically a place of deep spiritual significance for the Dakota Indians. As the land was acquired or taken by the United States government, speculators were attracted to St. Anthony falls. In 1838 Franklin Steele staked his claim to the land surrounding the falls. He installed the first dam in 1848, and early waterpower systems were installed by 1858. Sawmills opened up on both banks to collect and process logs floated downriver from Northern Minnesota.

1) This 1847 painting by Henry Lewis shows an early view of St. Anthony Falls.

2) 1848 painting by Seth Eastman of the falls as seen in the 1820s.

3) St. Anthony Falls in the late 1850s.

4) 1850s development along the west bank. The area was home to residents, a hotel, retail businesses and sawmills.

5) This suspension bridge, built in 1855, was a key connection point between the East bank village of St. Anthony Falls and the West bank village of Minneapolis.


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Early Mill Era1860 - 1880Sawmilling continued to expand dramatically during this period. Mills and platforms were constructed over and along the Mississippi to harness waterpower and collect logs. Networks of chutes and canals were built along the East and West river banks to collect and transport lumber. Milling increased the pace of erosion in the falls; logs floating downriver would crash against and break off large chunks of limestone. To reduce damage, the Army Corps of Engineers constructed a concrete dike along the river banks and a wooden apron over the falls.

1) The network of platforms built by sawmills over and around St. Anthony Falls.

2) A milling structure built over the falls to take advantage of waterpower and collect lumber.

3) Log chutes built along the Mississippi River to transport lumber.

4) The wider context around the falls. Sawmills attracted new business and population and helped grow the city of Minneapolis.

5) Streetscape along the West bank circa 1870s.


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Engineered Falls Era1880 - 1900During this era, development along the river began to increase dramatically. Wood sawmills were joined by larger stone and concrete flour mills. An underground network of canals provided hydropower for business expansion further from shore, and by the 1890s there were 24 major flour mills along the falls in addition to existing flour mills. To support increased shipping, railroad track was laid throughout the district and the Stone Arch Bridge was constructed.

1) The Pillsbury A mill and surrounding river environment as seen in the 1880s.

2) An 1885 river canal with platforms. Stone arch bridge in background.

3) By the 1890s, rail tracks have been added to the sides of canals to support increased production and shipping.

4) The Stone Arch Bridge was constructed in 1883 to accomodate increased rail travel.

5) Extensive hydropower canals increased warehouse expansion further from shore.


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Industrial Era1900 - 1930The riverside sawmilling industry peaked around 1900 and steadily declined until the last sawmill in the area closed in 1910. However, continued technological developments allowed flour mills and transportation lines to continue to expand. These expansion efforts led to the creation of massive industrial complexes consisting of milling warehouses, grain elevators for storage, and rail lines for shipping and transportati0n.

1) A downtown view from 1910 shows the industrial milling complexes that continued to develop during this time period.

2) Additional bridges were built to accomadate increased shipping and traffic.

3) Industrial development and buliding expansion along the Mississippi in 1907.

4) The original wooden apron built over the falls was replaced by a concrete spillway, seen here around 1908.


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Period of Decline1930 - 1960Throughout this period, the milling distict along the West bank deteriorated steadily. Beginning around 1930, milling companies began relocating to Buffalo and Kansas City in search of cheaper operating costs and lower shipping tariffs. New milling technologies and sources of power allowed companies to relocate away from the river as well. By 1948, most milling warehouses had been either abandoned or torn down, and during the 1950s, the area was one of the worst skid rows in the city.

1) With the relocation of the milling industry, spaces began to be repurposed. In this photo from 1935, the Mississippi has transformed into a swimming spot.

2, 3, 4) Railroad routes also became less frequent during this period. Once crowded tracks and waterways have fallen silent.


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Reconstruction1960 - 1990The St. Anthony Falls area experienced a period of transition during these years. In 1963, the lock and dam system was completed, making this section of the river navigable for large boats. The only flour mill remaining in the district during this period, General Mills, relocated in 1965. In 1971, the St. Anthony Falls Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the following year the Mississippi/Minneapolis plan was introduced to spur public and private development in the area, and slowly the district began to be adapted to new uses.

1) Construction of the upper lock and dam around 1960.

2) Construction of the lower lock and dam in the early 1960s.

3) The Mississippi River and the abandoned Stone Arch Bridge in 1987.

4) In 1985, a space has been repurposed as a parking lot to support early residential, office, and retail redevelopment.

5) Flooding of the Mississippi River in 1975 shows that the river landscape continues to experience change.

Historical Review Current Land Use Open Space Systems Visual and Sectional analysis Water Issues Ecologies of Site Ecologies of the Larger Context Past Master Plans and Projects Cultural Events PrecedentsMap of the Site112

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Revitalization1990 - presentToday, the riverfront milling district is a vibrant and attractive area of the city. Steady improvements and public and private investment have resulted in a vibrant multi-use area. The site supports office space, residential condos, parks, entertainment, and other uban amenities.

1) The riverfront as seen today. Pictured are condos, office and business space, and the Mill City Museum, which was built into the former Washburn A mill and opened in 2003.

2) The Stone Arch Bridge was restored and reopened in 1994. It now features pedestrian and biking paths.

3) Many former milling warehouses have been converted to office and residential space.

4) Riverfront mill ruins were excavated beginning in 1998. Mill Ruins Park, a public park celebrating the history of the riverfront, was opened in 2001.

5) The Guthrie Theater, located along the riverfront and opened in 2006, is an important entertainment destination for the Twin Cities community. Gold Medal Park, a public park opened in 2007, sits South of the Theater.


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Minneapolis Riverfront Recreation ParkMaster Plan

Matt Mundinger - LA 5201

1) Performance space, for theater events, under-bridge movie screenings, and art installations2) Dining, special event and reception area3) Dense, well-managed habitat for native plants and wildlife. Primarily cottonwood and shrubs4) Flexible area suited for parking, farmers markets, performances, etc.5) Observation deck where visitors can engage mill ruins; 5 firepits and seating areas built into wall6) Fuji-Ya building reopened as restaurant with a lower patio and public space with reception areas, restrooms, storage7) Flexible area suited for parking, farmers markets, performances, etc.8) Lawn game area during warm months, featuring horseshoes, croquet, cornhole. Flooded in winter to create a public ice rink9) Public picnic area10) Footbridge crossing Mississippi river11) Public space containing 5 firepits12) Dense native shrub plantings and wildlife habitat with trees remaining small to avoid view obstruction

Minneapolis Riverfront Recreation ParkGrading and Movement Through the Site

Matt Mundinger - LA 5201

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