History of Minnesota in Timeline

Minnesota is a U.S. state in the Upper Midwest, bordered by Canada and the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," it boasts over 14,000 bodies of fresh water and is largely forested, with prairie and farmland. Its population is about 5.8 million, making it the 22nd-most populous state. The Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, the "Twin Cities," is home to over 60% of the population and serves as the state's political, economic, and cultural center. Other notable metropolitan areas include Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead, Rochester, and St. Cloud.

1900: Minnesota mills grind 14.1% of the nation's grain

By 1900, Minnesota mills, spearheaded by Pillsbury, Northwestern, and the Washburn-Crosby Company (an ancestor of General Mills), were processing 14.1% of the nation's grain.

1901: Washington Senators founding member of American League

In 1901, the Washington Senators were a founding member of the American League.

1922: KUOM-AM launched

In 1922, KUOM-AM, the state's oldest radio station, was launched. It is among the 10-oldest radio stations in the United States.

September 1927: "The Minnesota March" Premiere

In September 1927, John Philip Sousa and his band premiered "The Minnesota March" at the Minnesota State Fair.

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1931: Drought hits western Minnesota and the Dakotas

In 1931, western Minnesota and the Dakotas experienced a severe drought, exacerbating the economic hardships brought on by the Great Depression.

1934: Indian Reorganization Act

In 1934, the Indian Reorganization Act was enacted, providing Native American tribes with a mechanism for self-government, giving them a greater voice within the state, and promoting respect for tribal customs.

1935: Drought continues in western Minnesota and the Dakotas

The drought that began in 1931 persisted through 1935, continuing to cause significant hardship in western Minnesota and the Dakotas.

July 6, 1936: Highest temperature recorded in Minnesota

On July 6, 1936, Moorhead, Minnesota recorded the state's highest temperature ever at 114 °F (46 °C).

1944: DFL Party Formation

In 1944, the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) was formed out of an alliance of the Minnesota Democratic and Farmer–Labor parties.

1946: Engineering Research Associates Formed

In 1946, Engineering Research Associates was established to develop computers for the United States Navy, marking the beginning of Minnesota's role as a technology center.

1947: Minneapolis Lakers played in the Minneapolis Auditorium

In 1947, the Minneapolis Lakers of the National Basketball Association began playing in the Minneapolis Auditorium.

April 27, 1948: KSTP-TV began broadcasting

On April 27, 1948, KSTP-TV began broadcasting, marking the start of broadcast television in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

1948: Hubert Humphrey's Address

In 1948, Hubert Humphrey brought national attention to Minnesota with his address at the Democratic National Convention.

1949: Medtronic starts business in the Twin Cities

In 1949, Medtronic, a medical device maker, began its business operations in the Twin Cities, contributing to Minnesota's growing prominence in the medical technology sector.

1951: Minneapolis hosted NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship

In 1951, Minneapolis hosted the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.

1957: William Norris forms Control Data Corporation (CDC)

In 1957, William Norris left Sperry Rand to establish Control Data Corporation (CDC), further solidifying Minnesota's position in the technology industry.

1957: Legislature creates planning commission for the Twin Cities

In 1957, the legislature established a planning commission for the Twin Cities metropolitan area, setting the stage for regional development and coordination.

1960: Minneapolis Lakers relocated to Los Angeles

In 1960, the Minneapolis Lakers relocated to Los Angeles.

1960: Democratic Nominee

Since 1960, Minnesota has voted for the Democratic nominee in every presidential election, with the exception of 1972.

1961: Minnesota Twins began play

In 1961, the Minnesota Twins began playing in the Twin Cities after relocating from Washington where they were known as the Washington Senators.

1961: Minnesota Vikings admission to NFL

In 1961, the Minnesota Vikings were admitted to the National Football League (NFL) as an expansion franchise and began playing in Metropolitan Stadium.

1965: Twins advanced to the 1965 World Series

In 1965, the Twins advanced to the World Series, but lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games.

1967: Minnesota North Stars competed in NHL

From 1967, the Minnesota North Stars competed in the National Hockey League (NHL).

1967: Metropolitan Council formed

In 1967, the planning commission for the Twin Cities metropolitan area was transformed into the Metropolitan Council, enhancing regional governance and planning.

1971: Minnesota Miracle

In 1971, under Governor Wendell Anderson, the "Minnesota Miracle" legislation led to a broad reform in financing Minnesota's public schools and local governments, aiming for a fairer distribution of taxation and education.

1972: Republican Richard Nixon Won

In 1972, Republican Richard Nixon won the state of Minnesota in the presidential election.

1974: A Prairie Home Companion First Aired

In 1974, the comedy radio show "A Prairie Home Companion" first aired on National Public Radio.

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1976: Minnesota Kicks played at Metropolitan Stadium

From 1976, the Minnesota Kicks played at Metropolitan Stadium.

1976: Minnesota votes for Democratic presidential nominee

Since 1976, Minnesota has consistently voted for the Democratic presidential nominee, a record unmatched by any other U.S. state. This reflects the state's unique political landscape among Midwestern states.

1976: Democratic Votes

Since 1976, Minnesotans have consistently cast their Electoral College votes for Democratic presidential candidates, longer than any other state.

1980: Population growth in metropolitan counties

Between 1980 and 2000, the populations of metropolitan Sherburne and Scott counties in Minnesota doubled, indicating a shift towards urban centers.

1980: Minnesota members of the 1980 ice hockey team won gold medal

In 1980, twelve of the twenty members of the gold medal-winning U.S. ice hockey team, coached by Minnesota native Herb Brooks, were from Minnesota.

1981: Vikings last game at Metropolitan Stadium

1981 was the last year that the Minnesota Vikings played in the Metropolitan Stadium.

1981: Minnesota Kicks played at Metropolitan Stadium until 1981

The Minnesota Kicks played at Metropolitan Stadium until 1981.

1981: Minnesota North Stars lost the 1981 Stanley Cup Finals

The Minnesota North Stars played in and lost the 1981 Stanley Cup Finals.

1982: Vikings begin playing at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

In 1982, the Minnesota Vikings began playing in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

1984: Minnesota Strikers from 1984

The Minnesota Strikers began playing in 1984.

1987: Twins won the 1987 World Series

The Twins won the 1987 World Series in seven games, with the home team being victorious in all games.

1988: Minnesota Strikers until 1988

The Minnesota Strikers played until 1988.

1989: Minnesota Timberwolves joined the NBA

In 1989, the Minnesota Timberwolves joined the National Basketball Association (NBA).

1990: Minnesota Timberwolves played in Target Center

Since 1990, the Minnesota Timberwolves have played in Target Center.

1990: DFL party took the governor's office

The DFL party took the governor's office in 2010 for the first time in 20 years.

1991: Minnesota North Stars lost the 1991 Stanley Cup Finals

The Minnesota North Stars played in and lost the 1991 Stanley Cup Finals.

1991: Twins won the 1991 World Series

The Twins won the 1991 World Series in seven-game matches where the home team was victorious in all games.

1992: Minneapolis hosted NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship

In 1992, Minneapolis hosted the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.

1992: Super Bowl XXVI played in the Metrodome

In 1992, Super Bowl XXVI was played in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

1993: KUOM-AM broadcasts a college rock format

Since 1993, the University of Minnesota-owned radio station KUOM-AM broadcasts a college rock format.

1993: Minnesota North Stars competed in NHL until 1993

The Minnesota North Stars competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) until 1993.

February 2, 1996: Lowest temperature recorded in Minnesota

On February 2, 1996, Minnesota recorded its lowest temperature ever at −60 °F (−51 °C) in Tower.

1996: Tom Malchow won an Olympic silver medal

In 1996, Swimmer Tom Malchow won an Olympic silver medal.

1998: Jesse Ventura Elected Governor

In 1998, Jesse Ventura, former mayor of Brooklyn Park and professional wrestler, was elected governor of Minnesota under the Reform Party.

2000: Population loss in rural counties

Between 1980 and 2000, 40 of Minnesota's 87 counties experienced a loss of residents, indicating a shift towards urban centers.

2000: Tom Malchow won an Olympic gold medal

Swimmer Tom Malchow won an Olympic gold medal in the 2000 Summer games.

2001: Minneapolis hosted NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship

In 2001, Minneapolis hosted the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.

2005: Minnesota Ranked Healthiest State

Minnesota was ranked as the healthiest state in the nation.

2005: Biodiesel blend requirement

Since 2005, Minnesota has mandated a 2% biodiesel blend in diesel fuel.

2006: Constitutional Amendment for Transportation Funding

In 2006, a constitutional amendment was passed that required sales and use taxes on motor vehicles to fund transportation, with at least 40% dedicated to public transit.

2006: Guthrie Theater Move

In 2006, the Guthrie Theater relocated to a new facility in Minneapolis with three stages and a view of the Mississippi River.

2006: U.S. men's curling team won bronze medal in 2006 Winter Olympics

In the 2006 Winter Olympics, the U.S. men's curling team won the bronze medal.

2006: Democrats elected

In the 2006 mid-term election, Democrats were elected to all state offices, except governor and lieutenant governor.

October 1, 2007: Freedom to Breathe Act Takes Effect

On October 1, 2007, the Freedom to Breathe Act took effect, outlawing smoking in restaurants and bars in Minnesota.

2007: Minnesota hosts largest number of breeding pairs of bald eagles in lower 48 states

As of 2007, Minnesota hosted the largest number of breeding pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, indicating a healthy and thriving population of these birds of prey.

January 16, 2008: Minnesota Wild reached 300 consecutive sold-out games

On January 16, 2008, the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild reached 300 consecutive sold-out games at St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center.

2008: Minnesota Taxes

As of 2008, Minnesota was ranked 12th in the nation in per capita total state and local taxes, with Minnesotans paying 10.2% of their income in these taxes, compared to the U.S. average of 9.7%.

2008: Al Franken Defeats Norm Coleman

In 2008, DFLer Al Franken defeated incumbent Republican Norm Coleman in the U.S. Senate race by 312 votes out of three million cast.

2009: Minnesota Health Ranking Decline

Between 2005 and 2009, Minnesota's ranking as the healthiest state in the nation declined from first to sixth.

2009: Minnesota High School Graduation Rate

In 2009, Minnesota had the second-highest proportion of high school graduates in the U.S., with 91.5% of people 25 and older holding a high school diploma.

2010: Minnesota cities with populations above 50,000

As of the 2010 census, Minnesota had 17 cities with populations exceeding 50,000, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth.

2010: Minnesota United FC played in North American Soccer League

From 2010, Minnesota United FC played in the lower-division North American Soccer League.

2010: Republicans take control

In the 2010 election, Republicans took control of both chambers of the Minnesota legislature for the first time in 38 years.

2010: Twins played at Target Field

Since 2010, the Minnesota Twins have played at Target Field.

2011: Minnesota Lynx won the 2011 WNBA Championships

The Minnesota Lynx of the Women's National Basketball Association won the 2011 WNBA Championships.

2013: Demolition of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

After the 2013 season, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome was demolished for the construction of the team's new home, U.S. Bank Stadium.

2013: Minnesota Eighth Grade Performance

In 2013, Minnesota ranked eighth in the world and third in the United States in math and science performance among eighth-grade students.

2013: Minnesota Lynx won the 2013 WNBA Championships

The Minnesota Lynx of the Women's National Basketball Association won the 2013 WNBA Championships.

2014: Religious affiliation in Minnesota

According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2014, 74% of Minnesotans identified as Christian, 5% belonged to non-Christian faiths, and 20% identified as religiously unaffiliated.

2014: Minnesota ACT scores

In 2014, Minnesota students earned the tenth-highest average composite score in the nation on the ACT exam.

2014: State Fair Attendance Record

In 2014, the Minnesota State Fair had more than 1.8 million visitors, setting a new attendance record.

2015: Minneapolis Named "Most Literate City"

In 2015, Minneapolis was named the nation's "Most Literate City", while St. Paul placed fourth, according to a major annual survey.

2015: Minnesota Swarm moved to Georgia

In 2015, the Minnesota Swarm of the National Lacrosse League moved to Georgia.

2015: Minnesota Lynx won the 2015 WNBA Championships

The Minnesota Lynx of the Women's National Basketball Association won the 2015 WNBA Championships.

2016: Bob Dylan Nobel Prize

In 2016, Minnesota native Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

2016: GOP Regained Control

In 2016, the GOP regained control of the Minnesota State Senate.

2016: Minnesota produced 60% of country's usable iron ore

In 2016, the state of Minnesota produced 60% of the country's usable iron ore.

2016: Hazeltine National Golf Club hosted the Ryder Cup

In the fall of 2016, the Hazeltine National Golf Club hosted the Ryder Cup, becoming one of two courses in the U.S. to host all major golf competitions.

2016: Minnesota United FC played in North American Soccer League until 2016

Minnesota United FC played in the lower-division North American Soccer League until 2016.

2017: American Community Survey results

According to the 2017 American Community Survey, 5.1% of Minnesota's population were of Hispanic or Latino origin, with significant populations of German, Norwegian, Irish, Swedish, and English ancestry.

2017: Minnesota United FC joined Major League Soccer

In 2017, Minnesota United FC joined Major League Soccer as an expansion team.

2017: Minnesota Lynx won the 2017 WNBA Championships

The Minnesota Lynx of the Women's National Basketball Association won the 2017 WNBA Championships.

February 2018: U.S. Bank Stadium hosted Super Bowl LII

In February 2018, the Vikings' current stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium, hosted Super Bowl LII.

2018: Minnesota refugee population

As of 2018, Minnesota had the largest refugee population per capita of any state, with significant numbers of Hmong, Somalis, Ethiopians, and Vietnamese refugees.

2018: DFL Control

In 2018, the DFL retook control of the Minnesota House, while electing DFLer Tim Walz as Governor.

2018: Gold medal-winning team from Duluth at the 2018 Winter Olympics

The gold medal-winning curling team from Duluth competed at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

January 7, 2019: Tim Walz Took Office

On January 7, 2019, Tim Walz took office as Minnesota's governor.

2019: MPR has largest audience of any regional public radio network

As of 2019, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) had the largest audience of any regional public radio network in the nation, broadcasting on 46 radio stations.

2019: Minneapolis hosted NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship

In 2019, Minneapolis hosted the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.

2019: Ethanol fuel usage in Minnesota

In 2019, Minnesota had over 411 service stations that supplied E85 fuel, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

2019: Minnesota's GDP in 2019

In 2019, Minnesota's economy had a gross domestic product (GDP) of $383 billion. 33 of the top 1,000 publicly traded companies by revenue in the United States were headquartered in Minnesota.

2019: Minnesota's per capita personal income in 2019

In 2019, Minnesota's per capita personal income was $58,834, ranking thirteenth-highest in the nation, and its median household income was $74,593, ranking thirteenth in the U.S.

2020: Minnesota population approximately 5.7 million

According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2020 Minnesota had a population of about 5.7 million, making it the 22nd-most populous U.S. state.

2020: Minnesota racial demographics

As of 2020, the White population in Minnesota has fallen to 77.5%, while the Black population has risen to 7%, the Asian population to 5.3%, and those identifying as two or more races to 6.1%.

2020: Voter Turnout

In 2020, Minnesota's voter turnout reached 79.96% of registered voters participating in the general election.

2020: Mayo Clinic Ranked Top Hospital

In 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked the Mayo Clinic as the top hospital in the country.

2021: Minnesota fertility rate slightly below replacement rate

In 2021, Minnesota's fertility rate was slightly below the replacement rate at 1.75, though the state has maintained population growth through births and immigration.

2023: DFL gains control and passes reforms

In 2023, the DFL (Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party) gained control of all three branches of Minnesota's government and passed significant reforms in the legislative session, moving the state in a progressive direction.