History
Just over 100 years ago, the original founders of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing moved their northern Minnesota firm to Saint Paul’s Dayton’s Bluff, 1 1/2 miles from the Minnesota Capitol. The company changed its name to 3M, becoming a world leader in innovation. 3M thrived in spite of fires, two World Wars and global competition. 3M built nearly 100 buildings in the first half of the 1900's; work continued at this site until 2008 when the last operations were moved.
3M was not the only early investor in the East Site. Throughout the 20th Century, others joined 3M at the site built along the original 19th Century rail lines. Hamm’s, Globe Building Materials, Saint Paul Harvester and Whirlpool were a few of these industrial pioneers. They were served by interstate highways and local airports as well as by rail and river transit. The East Side community and labor force also grew, becoming a beacon of opportunity.
Today, the original 3M Main Plant Campus is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District. This designation allows those who choose to restore these buildings Federal tax credits to support restoration efforts.
Tomorrow’s history belongs to a new generation. Beacon Bluff is ready for a rebirth at this historic and accessible site.
