General Info
Originally home to Native Americans, Ramsey County was established in 1849 and named in honor of Alexander Ramsey, the first Governor of the Minnesota Territory. Ramsey County was one of Minnesota’s nine original counties and included land of Mille Lacs, Aitkin, Pine, Carlton, Washington and Hennepin Counties. Access to water, fertile soil and ample natural resources attracted many settlers and the area was quickly developed. St. Paul was selected as the county seat and as the state capital of Minnesota, enabling the area to become a center for industry and trade. Since its establishment, the boundaries of Ramsey County have been altered and is now Minnesota’s smallest county in acreage, hosting many historical sites and government buildings. Today Ramsey County is home to approximately 506,278 residents.