Thresher’s Souvenir Map of St. Paul, Ramsey Co. Minn. 1887-78

An intricate plan of St. Paul from the late 1880s.

This uncommon work of Midwestern boosterism, published in 1887 by the Thresher Brothers of St. Paul, offers a gleaming portrait of the city at the height of its Gilded Age prosperity. Functioning as a hybrid visitor’s guide, investment prospectus, and architectural catalog, the booklet was designed to broadcast St. Paul’s emergence as a premier metropolitan center of the Northwest. It was distributed compliments of Odin G. Clay & Company, a local real estate and loan company.

The text presents a sophisticated narrative of progress, emphasizing a robust transportation network, unparalleled access to agricultural markets, and a flourishing civic life – all framed within the context of 19th-century affordability and “moral” urban growth. Detailed woodcut illustrations of prominent banks, hotels, and industrial works showcase the city’s unique blend of luxury and utility.

Central to the work is a large, fold-out street plan that illustrates the sprawling footprint of the city across both banks of the Mississippi River. The cartography highlights the vital role of the railroads, with extensive tracks and depots dominating the riverfront, while shaded areas denote the “lungs” of the city: its parks and landscaped cemeteries. Notable regional landmarks are identified, including the burgeoning Stockyards, the State Fairgrounds (complete with its race track), and the Soldiers’ Home located on the border of adjacent Minneapolis.