Minneapolis Cultural Activity
The unexpectedly rich cultural scene in Minneapolis is frequently noted by outsiders. This is not a recent happening, since thoughtful support of cultural institutions has been a feature of Minneapolis for more than a century, and is by now ingrained in the city's civic traditions. Beginning with its landmark park system in 1883, and continuing on with the establishment of acclaimed institutions including a symphony orchestra, art museums, repertory theater, dance, and opera, Minneapolis offers culture in variety and quality well beyond what would be expected for a mid-sized, once-industrial city located far from American population centers.
The presence of so many cultural resources provides an insight into why Minneapolis has been so successful, and attractive to generations of citizens. Pioneer, post-Civil-War Minneapolis had the makings of financial success: immense stands of timber were located to the north, and vast prairie lands suitable for grains extended limitlessly to the west. St. Anthony Falls could power lumber and flour mills. This promising situation naturally attracted entrepreneurs. Combine these three essential ingredients and Minneapolis prospered.
In reality, the city's pioneering business achievements were not as easy to pull off as they might sound to us, as almost foreordained. Success required vision, routine risk-taking, continuous technical innovation, and unswerving diligence. That required daily, hands-on decision making, so owners of Minneapolis industries had to remain in town, unlike, for instance, financiers who could prosper by investing in the efforts of entrepreneurs working in remote areas, while themselves remaining in New York City.
Of course, until the postwar era, Minneapolis was much-too-remote from big cities to enjoy their attractions on any regular basis, unlike, for example, a wealthy Milwaukee businessman who could take a short train ride into Chicago. So the Minneapolis business community had to establish local cultural institutions commensurate with its high social station. That is why Minneapolis has long enjoyed a wide range of cultural attractions which function at national standards.