Before they became Two Harbors, Agate Bay and Burlington Bay grew along different tracks—one quiet and scenic, the other crowned by raucous saloons and a wild nightlife. Their unlikely union forged a singular identity on Minnesota’s North Shore, where a stretch once called “Whiskey Row” lingers in local lore.
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Historical Sites
How did Two Harbors get its name? The story involves two small towns — and a place called Whiskey Row.
Photo by Startribune
Key Takeaways:
- Two Harbors originated from two distinct towns, Agate Bay and Burlington Bay.
- One of these towns rose quickly as a railroad boomtown.
- The community once boasted 22 saloons and brothels in a single block.
- This notorious area earned the name “Whiskey Row.”
- Despite divergent paths, the towns eventually united to form one vibrant city on the North Shore.
The Origin of Two Harbors
Before it became known as Two Harbors, this North Shore locale was home to two separate communities: Agate Bay and Burlington Bay. Each sat along the same scenic waterfront but grew in markedly different ways. While Agate Bay quietly developed its character, Burlington Bay was poised to become a much livelier settlement.
A Tale of Two Towns
Agate Bay and Burlington Bay may have shared a shoreline on Minnesota’s North Shore, but they followed diverging paths. According to the original account, “Before they became one North Shore city, Agate Bay and Burlington Bay followed very different paths.” One of these towns quickly turned into a railroad boomtown. Its rapid growth brought many laborers and travelers, inevitably attracting establishments that promised entertainment and diversion.
Whiskey Row
With the influx of workers and adventurers came a cluster of “22 saloons and brothels packed into a single block.” This notorious stretch was called “Whiskey Row,” a name that reflects the rowdy nightlife characterizing the settlement during its heyday. Through its reputation for strong spirits and late-night revelry, “Whiskey Row” became etched into local lore, shaping the city’s colorful image for years to come.
Becoming One City
Despite their differences, these two bays gradually recognized the benefits of unity. Over time, what started as two distinct towns merged, creating the city we now know as Two Harbors. Today, the city stands as a testament to how contrasting histories and communities can fuse into one identity—an identity steeped in the legacy of a railroad boom, the echo of countless saloons, and the promise of a thriving North Shore destination.
