They call it the Twin Cities, but relationships between Minneapolis and St Paul were not always so sisterly. During the 1890 census, the battle over which city would prove to be bigger turned into a scene from a crime novel. Ever heard of the phrase “Padding the numbers?” Yeah, you’re welcome world…here’s the origin story from a time when people weren’t so Minnesota-nice.

Minneapolis and St. Paul are known as the Twin Cities, but relationships weren’t always so sisterly. During the summer of the 1890 census, both cities worked themselves into a frenzy over which one would prove bigger. The resulting tale of trickery feels worthy of a crime novel. Producer Emily Bright has this story of a Twin Cities throw-down.