 The earliest known settlers followed herds of large game to the region during the last glacial period . They preceded the Anishinaabe , the Dakota , and other Native American inhabitants . Fur traders from France arrived during the 17th century . Europeans , moving west during the 19th century , drove out most of the Native Americans . Fort Snelling , built to protect United States territorial interests , brought early settlers to the area . Early settlers used Saint Anthony Falls for powering sawmills in the area that became Minneapolis , while others settled downriver in the area that became Saint Paul . 
