St. Cloud Facts
Fact 1: The joint institution of Saint Benedict's College (for women) and Saint John's University (for men) is ranked at the top of the country's liberal arts Catholic colleges. Its strength of scholarship is also reflected in SJU's decision (with Saint John's Abbey) to create a handwritten Bible, known as the Saint John's Bible. The new tome will have more than 1000 pages and be 2' x 3' in size. Its illustrations will reflect learning in the contemporary era, and the Bible will be one of the few handwritten examples since the 15th century.
Fact 2: At one time in St. Cloud's history, granite was a major economic player. Quarries that now comprise Quarry Park buzzed with activity, and stone from them was used to construct buildings throughout Minnesota. Quarrying was so prominent, in fact, that the town was even called "Nitty Gritty Granite City."
Fact 3: Early on, St. Cloud took much of its revenue from agriculture; then manufacturing joined in. Although retail endeavors have played a part in more recent years, those initial industries still run strong, as seen in the town's major corporations, which include grocers, food processors, and freezer manufacturers. Of course, SCSU also takes a prominent position in the local economy, along with the hospital system.
Fact 4: St. Cloud's name actually came about as the result of some good-natured ribbing by town founder John Lyman Wilson. Repeating a phrase from a book of Napoleonic history, he would ask local French traders (in jest) how life was in St. Cloud, making reference to Napoleon's home in Paris. The joke became so familiar that, in 1863, the state officially made St. Cloud the settlement's name.
Fact 5: Originally, St. Cloud was made up of discrete sections known as Lower Town, Middle Town, and Upper Town. The area was also populated by quite distinct groups. Among the early settlers were German Catholics, Protestants who opposed slavery, and relocated Southerners who brought their slaves with them. In a lesson for posterity, they all learned to cooperate, coexist, and thrive.
Fact 6: St. Cloud, founded in the 1850s, serves as the seat of Stearns County. It was settled early on by a wave of German immigrants, whose home brewing experience likely helped the county gain part of its renown during Prohibition. At that time, although liquor was illegal, Stearns County supposedly produced more bootlegged alcohol than any other location in the States. The widely distributed booze was known as "Minnesota 13."
Fact 7: You might be surprised to learn that this small Minnesota city has ties to Hollywood! Location scouts for Disney chose Stearns County Courthouse as the setting for a scene in "The Mighty Ducks." Visitors to the circa-1922 building can see the courtroom for themselves – it's located on the third floor.
Fact 8: Frisbee golf aficionados have much to celebrate in St. Cloud. Thanks to the preponderance of college students, the town boasts two courses. If you want to indulge in the affordable sport, just pick up your own frisbee, and head to the free-use courses. The Riverside Park venue can be found near SCSU, while Calvary, the more challenging course, is located across town.
Fact 9: You can't beat the charm of an historic downtown, and cities with one intact just seem to have a natural center and a source of civic pride. St. Cloud's downtown, although not large, has national historic status. Its architecturally distinctive buildings were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mainly of red or cream-colored brick.
Fact 10: As an extra measure of individuality, St. Cloud has dressed up its downtown with unexpected artistry. While you're out and about, see if you can spot its custom-painted fire hydrants – 30 in all. Each one gets a unique decoration that ties it to its particular location.
