Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS, a city and county-seat of Hennepin co., Minn.; on both banks of the Mississippi river; the celebrated Falls of St. Anthony being in the heart of the city; adjoining St. Paul, with which it is connected by railway and electric lines; area 53 square miles; pop. (1910) 301,408; (1920) 380,498.
Municipal Improvements.—The city has an excellent system of streets, made according to the latest practice. An extensive and beautiful park system has been constructed. The annual death rate averages 14.33 per 1,000. In proportion to population, Minneapolis has a greater park area than any other city in the United States, There are many bridges across the river, several being massive structures of stone and steel. The Great Northern Railroad's stone viaduct is a magnificent specimen of engineering.
Notable Buildings.—There are many beautiful residences and substantial business blocks. Among the more notable buildings are the City Hall and Court House; Metropolitan Life Building; Metropolitan Bank Building; First National-Soo Line Building; Radisson Hotel; La Salle Building; Plymouth Building; Minneapolis Institute of Arts; the Postoffice; the Auditorium; Central High School; the University buildings; Syndicate Block; Nicollet House; Lumber Exchange; Northwestern National Bank, and many notable private residences. Of the many churches, several are models of church architecture.
Manufactures.—Minneapolis is the largest flour manufacturing place in the world. The value of the output is about $100,000,000 yearly. It is also a great lumber-producing center. Other important industries are the manufacture of agricultural implements, machinery, building material, furniture, boots and shoes, wagons, woolen goods, etc. The value of the manufactured products is estimated at about $300,000,000.
Education.—In 1919 the enrollment in the public schools was 58,533. There were 1,723 teachers. The expenditure for educational purposes was $3,025,162. The institutions for higher learning are the University of Minnesota, St. Thomas College (R. C.), Augsburg Theological Seminary (Scand. Luth.), and the Minneapolis Academy; and in the suburbs are Hamline University and Macalester College. There is a handsome public library.
Finances.—In 1919 there was a net debt of $20,633,306. The assessed valuations were, real estate $163,710,251; personal property $42,783,312; tax rate, $39.43 per $1,000. The expenditures are about $9,000,000 yearly.
History.—Minneapolis was settled on the W. bank of the Mississippi river in 1849. It received its charter as a city in 1867, and annexed St. Anthony, which had been founded earlier on the opposite bank in 1872. In 1898 a “home rule” charter was submitted to the people, but failed to be adopted.