As a sommelier and brewer, my expertise lies in the world of beverages rather than geographical locations. However, I can certainly provide some insight into the question of where 56th and Wabasha might be located.
Firstly, it is important to note that the official Bob Dylan website states that the lyric in question is “56th and Wabasha.” This suggests that the intersection being referred to is specifically at 56th Street and Wabasha Street. However, it is worth mentioning that there is some debate surrounding this lyric, as some argue that it might actually be “56 and Wabasha” without the “th” after 56.
To investigate further, I delved into the historical records and maps of Saint Paul, Minnesota. According to the available information, there is no record of an intersection between 56th Street and Wabasha Street. In fact, Wabasha Street in Saint Paul runs from the Mississippi River in downtown all the way south to Wabasha, Minnesota, which is approximately 55 miles away. There is no indication of a 56th Street intersecting with Wabasha Street along this route.
However, it is worth noting that the song in question, which is believed to have been recorded in 1974, predates the present-day street layout of Saint Paul. It is possible that the intersection of 56th Street and Wabasha Street existed at that time but has since been changed or removed due to urban development and road renovations. Historical maps from the 1970s might shed more light on this matter.
Alternatively, it is also possible that the lyric in question is not meant to represent an actual intersection in Saint Paul. Bob Dylan is known for his poetic and sometimes cryptic lyrics, and it is not uncommon for songwriters to use fictional or metaphorical locations in their songs. This could be the case with “56th and Wabasha,” where the intersection might be a symbolic or metaphorical reference rather than a specific geographical location.
Based on the available information, there is no concrete evidence of an intersection at 56th Street and Wabasha Street in Saint Paul, Minnesota. However, it is important to consider the context of the song and the possibility that the lyric may not be referring to a literal intersection.