Explore Rondo in 1898

Explore the Rondo Neighborhood in 1898

This is the area of St. Paul where many of the African American families involved with "Cuba" lived. It became known as the Rondo neighborhood in the 1930s, named after Rondo Avenue, which ran through the heart of the community. Rondo Avenue was destroyed by the construction of Interstate 94 in the 1960s, which also dealt a severe blow to the vitality of the community. However, the Rondo neighborhood still exists today as a strong, cohesive community.

Rondo in 1898: where the Patronesses lived

Dale St.

Western Ave.

This is a map of what is now Rondo (and part of Frogtown) in 1898, taken from the St. Paul City Directory. The red dots indicate where the active patronesses lived. The blue arrow indicates John Quincy Adams' residence, and the green arrow indicates Fredrick McGhee's residence

Charles St.

Edmund St.

Thomas St.

Lafond St.

Note: North of University Avenue is generally not considered part of the Rondo neighborhood, but part of Frogtown

Sherbourne Ave.

University Ave.

Aurora Ave.

Fuller St.

Martin St. (now Central St.)

St. Anthony Ave.

Rondo Ave. (now I-94)

Carroll Ave.

Iglehart Ave.

Marshall Ave

A view of Rondo Avenue in 1904

"Reading" history in the real world

Faces of Rondo: This is a photograph of the first all-black choir at St. Peter Claver Church, St. Paul's mixed race Catholic parish. Some of these poeple were involved with "Cuba."

If you live in St. Paul, take some time to explore the Rondo neighborhood. Think about how it might have changed since the turn of the century, and why. This is an opportunity to "read" history out in the real world; you don't need a book to learn and think about history, it's all around us: the city layout, neighborhoods, buildings, and who lives, works, and plays in these spaces are all valuable historical sources.