The Second Congressional District
Carver, Dakota, Goodhue, Le Sueur, Rice,
Scott & Southern Washington Counties![](/peth04/20041118133255im_/http://www.house.gov/kline/images/district.jpg)
Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District spans the width of
the entire southern metro area and contains all of Carver,
Scott, Le Sueur, Goodhue and Rice Counties. It contains
almost all of Dakota County, except the northern tip.
South Washington County is the north eastern district line
and contains the cities of Cottage Grove and the southern
part of Woodbury. Only one precinct in the district is in
Hennepin County. Most of the population of the district
resides in the northern three counties, with Burnsville
and Eagan as the largest cities in the district.
The
2nd district contains and utilizes almost every type of
transportation infrastructure. Three of Minnesota’s
largest rivers run through the 2nd district, the
Mississippi (with 2 lock and dams), the Minnesota, and the
St. Croix. Interstates I-35 E and I-35 W merge in the
district in addition to the southern thoroughfares of
highway 169 and highway 52 and the northern hwy 212. The
second district is also home to many rail lines that
transport grains and other materials. The headquarters
for Northwest Airlines is in Eagan.
The
suburban areas in the northern part of the district blend
into the rural farmland in the south. The district's
economy is diversified among agriculture, small businesses
and large corporations. Some of the largest
employers in the district are Thomson/West Group, Blue
Cross Blue Shield, Northwest Airlines, 3M, Lockheed
Martin, Cambria, and Red Wing Shoes.
The
2nd District is also home to prestigious Colleges St. Olaf
and Carleton in Northfield. Minnesota's largest
Amusement park, Valley Fair, is in Shakopee, and LeSueur,
in the southwest part of the district, is the birthplace
of the world famous Jolly Green Giant food products.
Some
of the oldest cities in Minnesota are in the district
including Hastings and Red Wing. In the summer the
district is filled with heritage festivals and town
celebrations, such as Kolacky days in Montgomery, The Pine
Island Cheese festival, and Shakopee Derby Days.
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