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The West Bank's history is nearly as old as that of Minneapolis itself. In the late 1890s, the neighborhood was known as "Snoose Boulevard" with a thriving community of Scandinavian immigrants, many of whom worked in the milling and lumber industries located on the Mississippi River. In the 1960's and 1970's Snoose Boulevard turned from quaint neighborhood to a beehive of hippies, intellectuals, actors, artists and musicians. The towers of Riverside Plaza were erected as the model for high-rise living of the future. Today, the West Bank boasts the largest community of immigrants in the Twin Cities, continuing a long history of ethnic and cultural diversity. The history of the West Bank is a living one, always changing to meet the needs and dreams of its new residents and businesses.

	River boat docked on the Mississippi. Click on photo to see full image. | Circa 1880 |
	Charles Samuelson in front of Samuelson's Confectionery, on Washington Avenue. Circa 1890. Click on photo to see full image. | Circa 1890 |
	Horse-drawn Minneapolis street trolly. Click on photo to see full image. | Circa 1900 |
	Charles A. Egeberg Bicycle Shop, 517 Cedar Avenue. Click on photo to see full image. | Circa 1910 |
	Seven Corners, where Washington and Cedar Avenues meet, was once a busy intersection of streets with a bar on every corner. There are still 7 bars, just fewer corners. Click on photo to see full image. | Circa 1915 |
	"Stylin'" on Cedar Avenue. Click on photo to see full image. | Circa 1960 |
	Jewelry shop on Cedar Avenue. Click on photo to see full image. | Circa 1970 |
	Outside Brucks Espresso Bar. Click on photo to see full image. | Circa 2000 |