The St. James Hotel – The history of Red Wing, Minn., begins here

OUR TOWN OF RED WING, MINNESOTA.
Red Wing, Minnesota has a population of 15,561 and is the county seat of Goodhue County. The earliest settlers of the Red Wing region were members of the Mdewakanton Dakota tribe. The city's name was derived from a succession of chiefs whose name "Red Wing" came from their use of a dyed swan's wing as their symbol.

The advantageous river location led to development of a port for shipping and the city grew to be the largest primary wheat market in the world by 1873. The scenic beauty of the area was an added attraction, then as now. Henry David Thoreau himself hiked up Barn Bluff, took in the vista and was favorably impressed. The wheat market gradually diminished as railroads crossed the prairie. Industrial development quickly took the place of wheat commerce in Red Wing because of the favorable combination of natural resources and river trade.

The beauty of the bluffs and the river continue to draw people from across the world to downtown Red Wing. The walls of limestone, which once provided the foundations to homes and buildings, now provide challenge to climbing enthusiasts and hikers. Our sharp bend on the Mississippi River still supports industrial needs, however, its role as a tourist attraction and home for seasonal boaters continues to grow. Red Wing is ranked 34th on the list of America's 100 best small towns to live work and visit, by AAA's Home & Away magazine. Red Wing is recognized internationally as the home of Red Wing Shoes and Red Wing Pottery. It is also the location of the nation's first municipally owned performing arts theatre the T. B. Sheldon Auditorium.

Today Red Wing Shoes are still manufactured in Red Wing and visitors can tour the recently opened Red Wing Shoe Company Museum. Pottery also has a unique connection with Red Wing. The first pottery factory opened in 1878 and since then pottery production has taken many different forms in Red Wing. Currently two types of pottery are made in Red Wing, salt glazed and stoneware. Factory tours and pottery demonstrations are available year-round. With 22 buildings listed on the National Register of historic places, step into the past with Red Wing's walking tour.