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2-10 New Brighton Comprehensive Plan | 2040 DRAFT hIStOrICaL DeVeLOpMeNt patterNS Information was obtained through www.newbrightonmn.gov and the City of New Brighton Historical Society Early Development The City of New Brighton, as with most Minnesota towns, was first inhabited by Native Indians who came to the area on rice harvesting treks and located near Long Lake and Rice Creek. In the mid-1800’s, French and English settlers came upon the New Brighton area in their search for part of the American Dream: land and a homestead. In 1858 the settlement was established, a government was formed, and development ensued consisting of a store, school, and mission church. The Village of New Brighton was not actually incorporated however until 1891. Industrial Era After the settlement was established, the railroad was soon to follow and the Minneapolis Stockyards and Packing Company was formed. This company locating in New Brighton is identified as the most significant point in New Brighton’s history as with it came the development of related businesses and thus a thriving agricultural community. The name New Brighton actually came from Brighton, Massachusetts, a cattle center serving the Boston area. Suburban Growth After World War II, New Brighton experienced rapid growth like many first-ring suburbs of that time. Auto-oriented single family neighborhoods grew between the quiet lakes of the city and along main thoroughfares. New Brighton’s proximity to Minneapolis and Saint Paul made it a destination for some car commuters, while the existing industry and railroad provided a base for the local economy. What is known today as Old Highway 8 was the main corridor of the community, connecting people to area cities, as well as jobs centers and downtown within New Brighton. The Soo Line Railroad’s New Brighton De- pot, built in 1897 The Exchange Hotel