8 Surprising Facts About St. Paul: Why Minnesota's Capital Is The True 'Last City Of The East'

Many people incorrectly assume Minneapolis is the capital of Minnesota, but the true seat of state government is St. Paul, a city with a rich, complex history and a distinct, East Coast-like character often overshadowed by its larger twin. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, St. Paul continues to define itself not just as a political center housing the Minnesota State Capitol, but as a cultural cornerstone experiencing significant urban development, including major investments in affordable housing and a notable rebound in its downtown business district. The city, which maintains a 2024 population of around 307,000 residents, is a fascinating blend of historic architecture, vibrant cultural institutions, and modern challenges, making it an essential destination for anyone looking to understand the heart of the North Star State.

This deep dive explores the most current and surprising facts about the capital of Minnesota, revealing why St. Paul—known by nicknames like "The Saintly City" and "Last City of the East"—is much more than just the smaller half of the Twin Cities. From its infamous beginnings to its current economic climate, here are the eight most compelling reasons St. Paul deserves your attention right now.

The Underdog Capital: St. Paul's Unique Identity and History

St. Paul’s identity is defined by its history, its geography along the Mississippi River, and its perpetual rivalry with Minneapolis. While Minneapolis grew into a modern industrial and financial hub, St. Paul retained a more traditional, government-focused, and historically preserved atmosphere. This contrast is the source of its unique appeal.

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1. The Capital's Original Name Was 'Pig's Eye'

Before it was St. Paul, the settlement was briefly known as "Pig's Eye" after Pierre Parrant, a colorful, one-eyed fur trader and bootlegger who established a notorious tavern near Fort Snelling in the 1830s. The area was later renamed Saint Paul by Father Lucien Galtier in 1841 in honor of the Apostle Paul, a move that helped legitimize the settlement and paved the way for it to become the territorial capital in 1849. This infamous, rough-and-tumble origin contrasts sharply with the city's modern, "Saintly City" reputation. The land was originally home to the Dakota people, specifically the Kaposia band.

2. The Twin Cities Rivalry Led to Competing Cathedrals

The famous Twin Cities rivalry is more than just a sports feud; it’s a deep-seated cultural and historical competition. The cities' historic attempts to one-up each other once led to the construction of competing cathedrals and baseball stadiums, and even disagreements over mundane things like daylight saving time. St. Paul's answer to the rivalry is the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Paul, a stunning architectural masterpiece that rivals any major basilica in the country. It sits proudly near the Minnesota State Capitol, reinforcing St. Paul's role as the state's political and historical anchor.

3. Home to the Longest Stretch of Victorian Architecture in the U.S.

St. Paul is often described as having an "East Coast" feel, primarily due to its architecture. The city boasts one of the longest and best-preserved stretches of Edwardian and Victorian homes in the United States along its famous Summit Avenue. This historic district is a testament to the city's past wealth and slower, more deliberate development compared to the rapid industrialization of Minneapolis. It's also where famed author F. Scott Fitzgerald was born and lived, drawing inspiration for his early works from the neighborhood's elite society. Summit Avenue alone is a major entity that defines St. Paul's unique character.

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Recent Developments and the 2025 Economic Picture

In the mid-2020s, St. Paul is focusing heavily on urban revitalization and addressing the need for affordable housing, while also navigating the complexities of post-pandemic recovery and local governance.

4. Major Affordable Housing Projects are Underway for 2025

The city is currently undergoing significant development, with a strong emphasis on affordable and sustainable living. Projects like 'The Heights Neighborhood Development' on the Greater East Side are slated to deliver 150 new affordable homes. Furthermore, several new LEED-certified affordable housing projects are scheduled for completion in the first few months of 2025. This focus on green, accessible housing is a key part of St. Paul's forward-looking urban planning.

5. The Downtown Business District is Showing Signs of Revival

Downtown St. Paul's central business district has shown encouraging signs of post-pandemic recovery. A recent report indicated a rebound in the real estate market, signaling a revival in the city's core. This includes the massive $68 million conversion of the former Ecolab tower into new residential and mixed-use spaces, a high-profile project demonstrating investor confidence despite the local debate surrounding the city's rent stabilization ordinance.

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6. The 2025 Budget Included a Notable Property Tax Increase

In a key governance decision, the St. Paul City Council approved the budget for 2025, which included a property tax increase of 5.9%. This financial move is directly tied to funding city services and supporting the ongoing development projects mentioned above, providing a clear, up-to-date look at the city's fiscal strategy and the cost of its revitalization efforts.

Cultural Cornerstones: Must-Visit Landmarks and Institutions

St. Paul is a hub of arts, history, and science, offering numerous institutions that contribute to its "Saintly City" moniker and its intellectual reputation.

7. Home to a Trove of World-Class Museums and Cultural Centers

St. Paul is a treasure chest of cultural and educational institutions, providing deep topical authority to the city's profile. Key entities include the Minnesota History Center, which serves as the headquarters for the Minnesota Historical Society; the Science Museum of Minnesota; and the Minnesota Children's Museum. Additionally, the historic Landmark Center, which was originally the U.S. Post Office, Courthouse, and Custom House, now hosts music, dance, theater, and exhibitions. For the truly curious, St. Paul also features unique destinations like the Schubert Club Museum and the Museum of Quackery and Medical Frauds.

8. The Winter Carnival is Gearing Up for its 140th Year

The St. Paul Winter Carnival is one of the city's most enduring and popular traditions, embracing the harsh Minnesota winter since 1886. Often called the "Coolest Celebration on Earth," the carnival is gearing up for its milestone 140th anniversary. Recent news has focused on the unveiling of commemorative buttons and the announcement of a new location for the 2025 daytime parade, ensuring this massive community event remains a fresh and evolving entity in the city's cultural calendar.

St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota, stands as a city of contrasts: it is the smaller, older, and more architecturally preserved twin, yet it holds the political power and a surprising depth of culture. Its unique history, from the infamous "Pig's Eye" to the elegant Summit Avenue, combined with its current focus on sustainable development and economic rebound, makes it a compelling and essential part of the North Star State. It successfully balances its role as the seat of government with its identity as a vibrant, living city, solidifying its status as the true "Last City of the East."