Minneapolis 1857

This 1857 photograph by Benjamin Franklin Upton is an early glimpse into the developing city of Minneapolis. Titled "Minneapolis," the image depicts a simple wooden building with a sign reading "Dealers in Real Estate," showcasing the burgeoning real estate industry in the area. The photograph captures a group of men seated on the porch, highlighting the social scene of the time. The composition, focused on the building and its occupants, exemplifies the era's fascination with capturing the everyday life of burgeoning communities. Upton's work, through its documentation of this key moment in Minneapolis's history, provides a valuable insight into the city's early development and its transition towards urbanisation.