Minnesota's past is defined by its remarkable natural resources, and shaped by its native peoples and early settlers. From the fur trade and the establishment of Fort Snelling, to harnessing the power of the Mississippi River as a means to fuel emergent logging and milling industries, Minnesota's history is that of a land like no other. Pioneering Minnesotans embraced everything that the sprawling prairies, rich farmlands, and more than 10,000 lakes offered. Boomtowns and small towns sprang up and were connected to the thriving metropolises of Minneapolis and St. Paul through a great labyrinth of railways. From the time photographers first started pointing their cameras in the direction of Minnesota's land and people, crystallized moments from the state's history were captured, and stories preserved. The archival images collected in Historic Photos of Minnesota offer unique insights into the state's not-so-distant past. Spanning more than 100 years, this book documents everyday lives and significant events in Minnesota's extraordinary history.

About the Author:

Susan Marks is a writer and documentary filmmaker. She holds a bachelor's degree in history, as well as a master's degree in liberal studies with a focus on American studies, history, and film from the University of Minnesota.
Susan authored the book Finding Betty Crocker: The Secret Life of America's First Lady of Food, and produced a documentary film about this famous Minnesota icon.
Susan lives in Minneapolis in a home once owned by famed Minnesota photographer Edward Bromley, whose photographs are among those appearing in this book.