Day 39: Hmongtown Marketplace, Saint Paul, Minnesota
📌APIA Every Day (39) - Established in 2004 by entrepreneur Toua Xiong, Hmongtown Marketplace proudly stands as the first Hmong-owned and operated market in the United States, nestled in the Frogtown neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Hmong migration to the United States, commencing in the mid-to-late 1970s, experienced a resurgence with the passage of the Refugee Act of 1980. This wave, emphasizing family reunification and propelled by the strong bonds within the Hmong culture's clan structure, found Minnesota particularly attractive due to its employment opportunities, access to public housing, and welfare benefits. Agencies like Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, and World Relief Minnesota further facilitated this migration by providing refugees with resources. Today, St. Paul, Minnesota and the establishment of Hmongtown Marketplace stand as a historical marker for the nearly 36,000-strong Hmong population and their ongoing journey in preserving their culture within the U.S.
Spanning 6 acres of land formerly used as a lumber yard, Hmongtown Marketplace comprises two buildings and an open-air market space, playing a vital role in addressing the needs of Hmong immigrants. Drawing inspiration from open-air markets in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Vientiane, Laos, this vibrant cultural hub offers a diverse array of culturally specific fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other edible plants. Less than four miles away lies a similar marketplace known as Hmong Village; together, these sites contribute to the greater Little Mekong Cultural District [APIA Every Day 19]. Hmongtown serves as a gathering place, providing access to preferred supplies and foods, significantly contributing to the economic and cultural development of the Minnesota Hmong diaspora. Most vendors communicate in a Hmong dialect, creating employment and business opportunities. Open every day for 12 hours, the marketplace dynamically reflects the rich diversity and culture of the Twin Cities.
LEARN MORE:
Meet Minneapolis: Hmongtown Marketplace
Mpls St. Paul: Hmong Gourmet: An Insider’s Guide to St. Paul’s Hmong Village and Hmongtown
CN Traveler: In a World Where There Is No Hmongland, There Is St.Paul’s Hmong Village
NY Times: In St. Paul, Great Deals and Ethnic Diversity: Hmongtown Marketplace
Sahan Journal: How Did Minnesota Become a Hub for Hmong People?
MPR News: 'We are Hmong Minnesota': A 40-year Journey, Remembered
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