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This area is also very unique because it contains a variety
of different natural features including low floodplains to the north and sandstone
bluffs in the south and west. The area also includes many interesting physical
attractions such as Harriet Island (no longer separate from the main land), Cherokee
Heights, Lilydale Park and a number of caves. The West Side is connected to
the rest of St. Paul through three important bridges, the Wabasha Street Bridge, the
Robert Street Bridge and the High Bridge along Smith St. All of these attractions
add to the beauty and uniqueness of the West Side.
The History of the West Side: A Midwest
Ellis Island
The West Side's tradition of cultural diversity spans many years. This tradition
dates back to the mid-19th century when the Native Americans who had been living there for
many years were forced to give up their land in the Treaty of Traverse de Sioux.
Many European settlers, such as the French-Canadian voyageurs, settled in the area.
At this time, the area was named the city of West St. Paul. It was referred to as
"The West" because of an old Mississippi River boat captain's tradition of
calling everything on the left side, or port side, "the West." Ironically
enough, the West Side is actually south of the Mississippi River.
O ver the years, many more immigrants came to settle in the West Side Community. In
fact, the mayor's inaugural address in 1858 had to be printed in French, English and
German in order to accommodate to the needs of the constituents. Many more European
settlers soon followed. These settlers primarily consisted of Eastern European and
Russian Jews, Danes, and Irish men. As the railroad industry expanded into the St.
Paul area, more Mexican and Lebanese immigrants migrated into the area. They took
jobs at the meat packinghouses and other growing industries.
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