Norman W. Kittson is born in Sorel, Canada. When he arrived in Minnesota in 1834, Kittson made money by developing trade between St. Paul and the Red River and served as a legislator and as mayor of St. Paul. Late in life, he built a mansion in St. Paul, on a trail that led to town. To accommodate those accustomed to following the trail, Kittson left his front and back doors open for folks to pass through. The Cathedral of St. Paul was later built on the site.