Minnesota

Minnesota is the 32nd state of the United States, having joined the Union on May 11, 1858.

History

Main article: History of Minnesota

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History prior to joining the United States

Before European colonization, the area now known as Minnesota was inhabited by Native Americans, in particular the Ojibwe (Chippewa, Anishinaabe) and Dakota, although the Winnebago also had a presence in the southeastern part of the state. In this time, the economy originally consisted of hunter-gatherer activities, which changed over time as Europeans settled in the area and further exploited the state's natural resources.

Related Topics:
Europe - Native American - Ojibwe - Dakota - Winnebago - Economy - Hunter-gatherer

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According to local tradition, the first European visitors were Swedish and Norwegian Vikings in the 14th century. The evidence for this is largely based on the controversial Kensington Runestone, which many historians consider to be an elaborate hoax. Some say that the earliest European settlement was in the area of the current city of Stillwater, on the St. Croix River, though many histories focus on the military settlement that took place farther west. Fort Snelling, located at the confluence of the Minnesota River and the Mississippi River, was one of the earliest U.S. military presences in the state. It is now a historic site.

Related Topics:
Europe - Swedish - Norwegian - Viking - 14th century - Kensington Runestone - Hoax - Stillwater - St. Croix River - Fort Snelling - Minnesota River - Mississippi River

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Joining the United States

Much of the state was purchased from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase, although the exact definition of that land was not assessed for many years afterward. Parts were also considered to be in the Northwest Territory.

Related Topics:
France - Louisiana Purchase - Northwest Territory

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Minnesota Territory was carved out of Iowa Territory on March 3, 1849, but it was not coextensive with the present state, since the area included what later became the territory of Dakota (which later still became the states of North Dakota and South Dakota). The eastern half of the territory of Minnesota became the country's 32nd state—after California—on May 11, 1858.

Related Topics:
Minnesota Territory - Iowa Territory - March 3 - 1849 - Territory of Dakota - North Dakota - South Dakota - California - May 11 - 1858

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