Minneapolis

**Historical Overview:**
– Minneapolis was originally inhabited by Dakota and Ojibwe Indigenous nations.
– Louis Hennepin renamed the Minneapolis waterfall to Falls of St. Anthony of Padua.
– Fort Snelling was built in 1819 to direct Native American trade away from British-Canadian traders.
– Minneapolis developed around Saint Anthony Falls, becoming the world’s flour milling capital in the 19th century.
– Minneapolis faced disasters like fires and explosions in mills in the late 19th century.
– The decline of the flour industry was due to soil exhaustion, rust, and freight tariff changes.
– Technological advancements in Minneapolis included innovations in flour milling, refrigeration, and supercomputers.

**City Development and Culture:**
– Minneapolis is abundant in water with thirteen lakes, wetlands, and the Mississippi River.
– It is home to major arts institutions like the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
– Minneapolis is known for its cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers.
– The city is called the City of Lakes and is part of the Twin Cities with Saint Paul.
– Minneapolis has a public park system connected by the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.
– The city is home to the University of Minnesota’s main campus and has a public transport system provided by Metro Transit.

**Social and Racial Issues:**
– Minneapolis faces disparities among its residents, with stark inequalities being a pressing challenge.
– There have been historical instances of discrimination, including anti-Semitism and restrictive covenants based on race.
– Mayor Hubert Humphrey made efforts for fair employment practices, and the American Indian Movement was formed in 1968.
– The city has experienced unrest and protests related to racial injustice, including the George Floyd protests in 2020.
– Efforts to address racial disparities include declaring racism a public health emergency and implementing zoning changes.

**Urban Development and Infrastructure:**
– Minneapolis saw growth in industries like textile manufacturing, generator production, and computer technology.
– The city evolved into a modern urban center with high rises and townhouses on the riverfront.
– Major developments include the Southdale Center, Mall of America, and the Skyway System.
– Minneapolis has a comprehensive plan for urban development, with neighborhood organizations playing a key role.
– The city’s infrastructure includes the University of Minnesota’s educational computing group and historical sites like the Mill City Museum.

**Demographics and Climate:**
– Minneapolis has a hot-summer humid continental climate with significant temperature variations.
– The city’s population has seen historical growth, with diverse ethnic breakdowns and immigrant groups settling in Minneapolis.
– Redlining practices and discriminatory federal housing policies have influenced housing and educational disparities.
– Efforts to address demographic disparities include initiatives to mitigate the impact of transportation infrastructure decisions.
– The city’s demographics include a mix of White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, and multiracial individuals, with support for LGBTQ+ rights and communities.