Introduction: the Ford century -- Model T for the Northwest Territories: Ford arrives in Minnesota -- Drawn to the river: hydroelectric power, navigation, and a new plant in St. Paul -- "The finest plant in the world": building the Twin Cities assembly plant -- From Model A to M-8: the Great Depression and World War II years -- Ascent of the autoworkers: the postwar boom and challenges -- An uncertain industry: slumping sales, labor unrest, and the Ranger pickup -- The end of the line: the closure of the Twin Cities assembly plant -- Epilogue: moving on.