On This Date In Twin Cities History - March 6, 1852

On this date in 1852, Hennepin County is created by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.

The county is named for Father Louis Hennepin, a Franciscan missionary who discovered and named the Falls of St. Anthony in 1680. In 1682, Hennepin published an account of his travels to the area called A Description of Louisiana, newly discovered to the South-West of New France. The book detailed his travels and experiences living with the Dakota and his discovery of the Falls of St. Anthony.

The early history of the county is closely tied to the establishment of its original cities of Minneapolis and St. Anthony. Today, Hennepin County encompasses an area of 607 square miles, includes 42 cities and towns and has a population of over 1.2 million (2018).

Image: St. Anthony Falls circa 1863 (MNHS)