Minneapolis 1857

This 1857 photograph by Benjamin Franklin Upton, titled "Minneapolis," captures a bird's-eye view of the city's early development. The image, housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcases a quaint, rural landscape dotted with simple wooden houses and a bustling storefront. The "Minnesota Democrat" dry goods store prominently displays its name and services, giving viewers a glimpse into the commercial activities of the time. Upton's meticulous attention to detail in this early photograph offers valuable insights into the history and architecture of Minneapolis in its formative years.