by John H. Sandy
Map of Itasca and Wabasha regions and counties within each region.
Broader outline shows boundaries of the state of Minnesota and
bordering states and Canada.
ITASCA
L’Étoile du Nord
Itasca is a geographic region with an economic system based on farming, mining, tourism, and small businesses. Prairies, forests, lakes, and wilderness give the region its special character. Itasca is a vast domain in north-central United States, bordering Canada. The motto L’Étoile du Nord (Star of the North) captures the essence of this region.
The phrase L’Étoile du Nord had its origin in France when a French opera with the name “L’Étoile du Nord” opened in Paris in 1854. Later, in 1856, “L’Étoile du Nord” was performed in New York City. And in 1861, the state of Minnesota adopted the phrase as its official motto. When viewed in this context, the state’s motto was likely borrowed from others, not an original phrase coined by officials in Minnesota.
From the late 1600s and for two-hundred years, the Upper Mississippi region was claimed by France. French Canadians, called voyageurs, were active in the fur trader in the area west of Lake Superior for many decades. Even today, names of towns and places, such as Grand Marais and Mille Lacs, are reminders of French presence and culture in the region.
Duluth is the largest city and the cultural and economic hub of Itasca. Other large cities include St. Cloud, Moorhead, Marshall, Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Alexandria, and Brainerd. The region of Itasca has 49 counties. Population of the Itasca region, 1,310,000 (Est.). Culturally Itasca aligns with European ancestry, mainly Scandinavian and German.
Itasca is a region with many common interests. Efforts to promote and advance the economy and culture, and enhance the natural environment, of the rural areas and small and medium-sized communities in the western and northern parts of the state of Minnesota can foster progress and well-being of all who live in the region.
In historical time, the name Itasca was considered for a geographic area which, in 1849, became Minnesota Territory. The name Itasca was set forth in a bill introduced by Mr. Morgan L. Martin in the 29th CONGRESS, H. R. 568, 2d SESSION, December 23, 1846.
Flag for Region of Itasca
Seal for Region of Itasca
WABASHA
Mni Sóta Makoce
Wabasha, the other geographic region on this map, is dominated by an urban population living in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) and its suburbs. Rochester is another large city in Wabasha.
The region of Wabasha has 35 counties. Population of the Wabasha region is 4,397,000 (Est.). Ancestry of the region is mainly European (Scandinavian and German), but large pockets of people from Africa, Asia, and other areas around the world live in Wabasha’s larger cities.
Before European settlement began, this region was inhabited by Dakota Sioux Indians. Mni Sota Makoce is interpreted from the Dakota language as “land where the waters reflect the clouds.”
Flag for Region of Wabasha
Seal for region of Wabasha
The State of Minnesota, the political umbrella for both regions, has recently redesigned its state seal and flag.
Note: The map of regions at the top of this page above merges Jackson with Nobles County, Murray with Cottonwood County, and Lyon with Redwood County.
January 2025
