A to Z Challenge – M is for Minnesota

All four of my grandparents ended up in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Why?

Weather was not a deterrent as my immigrant ancestors were accustomed to the harsh winters of Poland.  And it probably didn’t hurt that the geography is similar to their homelands just east of Poznan.  

In the late 1800’s the twin cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis were booming. St Paul was the northernmost port on the Mississippi river. Lumber and agricultural products from areas farther west arrived in St. Paul to be transported down the river.  Railroads were expanding. Industry was booming. Two giant grain millers, Pillsbury and General Mills were thriving. 

New immigrants could find work.  It was a good place to be.