West Saint Paul

In 1889, a spirited town emerged from the shadow of its larger neighbor, St. Paul. This town, christened West St. Paul, carved its own identity on the west bank of the Mississippi. West St. Paul wasn’t actually west of St. Paul, but its name stuck. The early days of West St. Paul were a melting pot. Settlers arrived, bringing their diverse heritage from France, Canada, Germany, Ireland, and Eastern Europe. Later, Mexican immigrants added another vibrant thread to the cultural tapestry. West St. Paul’s landscape presented its own set of challenges. The river bluffs, while picturesque, meant that development had to climb higher to avoid the Mississippi’s frequent floods. This is why businesses like the Yoerg and Bruggeman Breweries cleverly utilized the bluff caves. The community spirit was strong, supporting local industries and nurturing their growth. West St. Paul’s story takes a turn in 1887. The area, encompassing both modern-day South St. Paul and West St. Paul, was initially incorporated as South St. Paul. Disagreements over representation led to a split in 1889. This resulted in the official incorporation of West St. Paul. Interestingly, despite operating separate police departments, West St. Paul and South St. Paul still share fire and DMV services. Jump ahead to 1907, West St. Paul adopted a City Charter, establishing a mayor and a seven-member council. This structure changed in 1962 with the introduction of a city manager. The mayor and council now form the legislative body, while the city manager handles the administrative duties. Today, West St. Paul thrives. It boasts a 2.5-mile retail strip along Robert Street, named after Captain Louis Robert, a Mississippi River boat captain and early settler. The city also remembers its roots, with many streets bearing the names of its earliest inhabitants. From a small settlement on the riverbank to a bustling city, West St. Paul’s history is a testament to its resilient and welcoming community.