On This Date In Twin Cities History - June 8, 1854

On this date in 1854, former president Millard Fillmore visits St. Paul as part of a Grand Excursion celebrating the completion of the Rock Island Railroad from Chicago to Rock Island, Illinois. The group had journeyed up the Mississippi River by steamboat. Although not a Minnesota railroad, the rail connection between the river and Chicago would provide a great boost to Minnesota’s economy. (MNopedia)