History- St. Paul is the county seat and the capital of Minnesota, which was first settled by Pierre Parrant in 1838 and received it's name from a little Catholic chapel built in 1841 under Father Lucian Galtier. St. Paul was organized as a village or town on November 1, 1849 and became a city on March 4, 1854, then having an area of 2,560 acres (4 square miles). On February 29, 1872 seven square miles were added and again three square miles on March 6, 1873. On November 16, 1874, Dakota County annexed West St. Paul (now Riverside) by proclamation of the popular vote ratifying the legislative act saying "the total area of the city was increased to 20 square miles. Today, St. Paul's present area is 55.44 square miles.

Shopping- Much of St. Paul's shopping is on Grand Avenue where you will find quaint eateries, unique stores, and cafes for people watching.

Recreation- St. Paul offers many recreational activities all year round. There are many neighborhood parks for a fun afternoon for the kids to play or to bring the family out for a picnic.

The Minnesota Children's Museum offers fun, interactive learning experiences for children ages six months to ten years old.

The Minnesota Historical Society's History Center features many exhibits, multi-media presentations, costumed characters from the past and present.

The Science Museum of Minnesota has many exhibits including the complete mounted Triceratops, explore the bloodstream superhighway, or examine an authentic Egyptian mummy. The Omni theater (the world's large-format film screen) has many wonderful films taken from all over the world with various themes. The films change three times a year.

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is a theater for award-winning Broadway-style musicals, such as classics to world premiers, exceptional international performers, world-renowned opera, and orchestra.

For those winter enthusiasts, you may enjoy the many activities the Saint Paul Winter Carnival provides. The main attraction is the ice palace along with many beautiful ice sculptures, the torchlight parade, and other fun family filled events. Also check out the Xcel Center for those ice hockey fans and cheer on the Minnesota Wild.

	St.Paul, Minnesota
County: Ramsey	Population: 287,151 (year 2000)	Median residents age: 31.0 years
Distance to Minneapolis: 10 miles	Males: 138,863 (48.4%)	Median houshold income: $38,774 (year 2000)
Land Area: 52.8 square miles	Females: 148,288 (51.6%)	Median house value: $105,400 (year 2000)
Zip Code: 55103
Saint Paul, MN School Information