I absolutely love these older panoramas, especially when they're pin-sharp like this one. So many things going on, so much to see, the depth of detail is amazing!

It has been a while since I've seen a distribution ring for telephone circuits on Shorpy. It's hard to spot unless you do the big view, but it's behind the Northern Machine Company. I'd love to see what kind of insulators are being used on it. (Click to enlarge)

The camera is in the clock tower of City Hall, at Third Avenue and Fourth Street South. The view is to the northwest. Fourth Street is below, and takes a jog to the right about four blocks out at Hennepin Avenue.

In answer to 'bob's query: my first thought was it was shot from the New York Life Building - the location seems right - but as it was only ten stories, we wouldn't be looking down on the Met; and the (tall enough) Soo Line was a decade away. So ... a balloon?

[City Hall. -- Dave]

As a followup to "fanheads" Shades of the 50s post above concerning the more modern appearance to some of the buildings.

Was there an even taller building or a hill for the photographer to use to make this three image panorama? A bulky 8x10 view camera using glass plate negatives in a 1907 vintage airplane is a bit unrealistic.

[This is just half of a six-plate panorama. -- Dave]

After enlarging the image, which is really spectacular in its breadth and detail, I looked down into the streets. And there, the city looks like 1907.

Another thing that struck me was the few if any automobiles. Pedestrians, horses and wagons, and carriages aplently. I think I spotted a car or two, but in such deep shadows I couldn't be sure. In any case, it's quite a contrast to recent images here of New York City in 1905, where there was lots of cars.

Maybe automobiles were more in evidence in other parts of Minneapolis in 1907.

With the exception of the Metro building the rest of the town looks rather modern for the times.