The Distinctive Charm of Saint Paul: Beyond the Twin Cities

Mark Twain famously noted, ldquo;Saint Paul is the last city of the East, Minneapolis is the first city of the West.rdquo; This comment still holds true today, as Saint Paul exudes an unmistakably eastern atmosphere. The playwright, August Wilson, found inspiration in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood, which reminded him of his childhood home in Brooklyn. Similarly, other areas evoke the feeling of Boston, Chicago, or other cities east of the Mississippi, whereas Minneapolis feels more akin to Denver, Seattle, or other western cities like Fargo.

Historical and Cultural Background

Saint Paul is historically rooted in a unique blend of law enforcement and mob activity. In the 1920s and 1930s, Chief of Police Bill O’Connor made a notorious deal with the Chicago mob, allowing them to operate in Saint Paul as long as they kept a low profile. This arrangement made Saint Paul a haven for infamous mobsters such as Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson. Despite federal interference, St. Paul remained a critical territory for organized crime until the Al Capone trial took place in Saint Paul.

Although Minneapolis is often considered the more refined of the two cities, Saint Paul exudes a more relaxed and laid-back vibe. It offers an air of Irish bonhomie compared to Minneapolisrsquo; German/Scandinavian passive-aggression. The architectural differences between the two cities are also notable, with Minneapolisrsquo; downtown featuring a cold, modern aesthetic dominated by steel and glass, while Saint Paulrsquo;s downtown is warmer and more traditional, with buildings constructed from brown limestone and other warm materials.

Convoluted Identicalities and Misunderstandings

Despite being two distinct cities in the Twin Cities, there is a deeply ingrained association between Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Saint Paulites often use the name Minneapolis when speaking to others, reflecting the confusion around the two city names. This has led to the absence of independent weather reports for Saint Paul, as the weather in Minneapolis is often mistakenly assumed to apply to both cities. This confusion is so pervasive that former Governor Jesse Ventura and even Donald Trump referred humorously to the city as if it were a single entity, echoing a commonly held belief that the streets were designed by ldquo;drunk Irishmen.rdquo;

Notable Landmarks and Events

Saint Paul has a rich tapestry of notable landmarks and events that further distinguish it from its twin. The city is renowned for its confusing street design, a fact well-documented by former Governor Jesse Ventura in a joke on David Letterman. However, this characteristic might have been understated, as many believe it could have either driven Robert Altmann to complete his film Prairie Hall Companion or hastened his death. The film is often cited as the exemplary St. Paul movie, distinguished from the Minneapolis film Purple Rain. Additionally, Saint Paul is the birthplace of James J. Hill, a figure with a significant legacy in American railroad history. The city also hosts the annual Minnesota State Fair, where the pinnacle of culinary delights is deep-fried cheese curds. Attending the fair has become a must for residents and visitors alike.

Conclusion

While both Saint Paul and Minneapolis are integral parts of the Twin Cities, Saint Paul stands out for its unique cultural, historical, and architectural features. From its enigmatic street layout and intriguing mob history to its distinct culinary highlights, Saint Paul offers a wealth of experiences that complement and contrast with the offerings of its twin.