North Star Voices: Becoming the Twin Cities

Why haven’t Minneapolis and St. Paul merged into one city? Whether motivated by visionary ideals or commercial gain or political ambition, many have tried to unite Minneapolis and St. Paul into one city, and all have failed. Join us for the Becoming Twin Cities book launch to learn why this merger never came to be.

Becoming the Twin Cities, by award-winning writer Drew M. Ross, uncovers the nineteenth-century history of scheming and self-dealing, social rivalries and political grudges, and utopian idealism and personal ambition that explain how the Twin Cities became the separate cities with different governments and distinct personalities that we know today. With Bill Lindeke, Drew Ross will highlight the historical underpinnings of a beloved American metropolitan region’s unique identity.

The free program is in partnership with MNHS Press and will feature Drew Ross in conversation with author Bill Lindeke, with time for questions from the audience, and book signing. Books will be available for purchase from the Museum Shop and for signing by both authors. Registration is recommended, but not required. If you're unable to attend, the event is also accessible virtually via Zoom: https://mnhs-org.zoom.us/j/82515728103.

Drew Ross is a writer, editor, and researcher. For his writing on local history, he won the 2024 Solon J. Buck Award from the Minnesota Historical Society. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bill Lindeke is an urban geographer and writer who focuses on how our environments shape our lives. He is the author of St. Paul: an Urban Biography and Closing Time, both from MNHS Press.

RSVP here: https://www3.mnhs.org/events/29624851276

You may also like the following events from Minnesota History Center:

• This Saturday, 23rd August, 10:00 am, Friendship After Devastation: Saint Paul and Nagasaki Sister City Relationship in St Paul
• Next month, 9th September, 07:00 pm, The Dr. Harold C. Deutsch World War II History Round Table: To the End of the Earth in St Paul
• Next month, 13th September, 11:00 am, West End Food & History Tour in St Paul

Also check out other Arts events in St Paul, Literary Art events in St Paul.