Exciting History of Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Columbia Heights is a small town in Minnesota with an interesting history. Founded in the 19th century, this town has seen many changes over the years: from the railroad to the farming community, and now to the suburb of Minneapolis. History buffs will love exploring the old landmarks around Columbia Heights. Learn more here.

Where does Columbia Heights, Minnesota even start? The history of the town is a bit muddled because it was originally split in two by the railroad. The land to the east of what would become Broadway Avenue belonged to James M Anderson and that land west of it belonged to Nicholas Hemenway. Each man sold his plots for $200 which today would be about $4000 if inflation were taken into account. And there you have your answer: 1877! But who knows whether this is accurate since so much has changed over time. Learn more about Things That Make Roseville, Minnesota Unique.

Columbia Heights had an agricultural economy until after World War II when Minneapolis began its postwar population growth with many people migrating from Southern states where agriculture was declining due to mechanization. This led not only to increased residential development but also to the creation of a commercial center on Broadway Avenue.