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" due to its numerous freshwater bodies, it's also characterized by forests, prairies, and farmland. The population is about 5.8 million, making it the 22nd most populous state. Over 60% of residents live in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, the state's political, economic, and cultural center. Other significant metropolitan areas include Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead, Rochester, and St. Cloud.

1900: Minnesota Mills Grind Grain

By 1900, Minnesota mills, including Pillsbury, Northwestern, and Washburn-Crosby Company, were grinding 14.1% of the nation's grain.

1901: Washington Senators Founded

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

1922: Launch of KUOM-AM

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 before a crowd of 12,000.

1931: Drought in Western Minnesota

In 1931, western Minnesota and the Dakotas were hit by drought, compounding the economic hardships of the Great Depression.

1934: Indian Reorganization Act

In 1934, the Indian Reorganization Act was established, providing tribes with a mechanism of self-government, giving Natives a greater voice within the state and promoting more respect for tribal customs.

1935: Drought Continues

The drought that started in 1931 continued until 1935, affecting western Minnesota and the Dakotas.

July 6, 1936: Record High Temperature

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

1944: DFL party formation

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

1946: Engineering Research Associates Formed

In 1946, Engineering Research Associates was formed to develop computers for the United States Navy.

1947: Lakers Play in Minneapolis Auditorium

From 1947, the Minneapolis Lakers of the National Basketball Association played in the Minneapolis Auditorium.

April 27, 1948: KSTP-TV Begins Broadcasting

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

1948: Hubert Humphrey address

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

1949: Medtronic Starts Business

In 1949, medical device maker Medtronic started business in the Twin Cities.

1951: Minneapolis Hosts NCAA Championship

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

1957: Control Data Corporation (CDC) Formed

In 1957, William Norris left Sperry to form Control Data Corporation (CDC).

1957: Planning Commission Created

In 1957, the legislature created a planning commission for the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

1960: Lakers Relocated to Los Angeles

In 1960, the Minneapolis Lakers relocated to Los Angeles.

1960: Voted Democratic in Every presidential Election

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

1961: Twins Arrive in Twin Cities

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

1961: Vikings Join NFL

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

1965: Twins Lost to Dodgers

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

1967: North Stars Compete in NHL

From 1967, the Minnesota North Stars competed in the NHL.

1967: Metropolitan Council Formed

In 1967, the planning commission for the Twin Cities metropolitan area became the Metropolitan Council.

1971: Minnesota Miracle

In 1971, under Governor Wendell Anderson, a series of legislation called the "Minnesota Miracle" led to a broad reform in financing of Minnesota public schools and local governments.

1972: State was won by Republican Richard Nixon

In 1972, Minnesota was won by Republican Richard Nixon in the presidential election.

1974: A Prairie Home Companion airs

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

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1976: Kicks Play at Metropolitan Stadium

From 1976, the Minnesota Kicks played at Metropolitan Stadium.

1976: Democratic electoral college streak

Since 1976, Minnesota has consistently cast its Electoral College votes for Democratic presidential candidates, longer than any other state.

1976: Minnesota's Democratic base

Since 1976, Minnesota has consistently voted for the Democratic presidential nominee, establishing itself as a reliable base for the Democratic Party, a trend longer than any other U.S. state.

1980: Population Growth

Between 1980 and 2000, the populations of metropolitan Sherburne and Scott counties doubled.

1980: Ice Hockey Team Gold Medal

In the 1980 Winter Olympics, twelve of the twenty members of the gold medal ice hockey team (coached by Minnesota native Herb Brooks) were from Minnesota.

1981: North Stars Lost Stanley Cup Finals

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

1981: Vikings End Play at Metropolitan Stadium

In 1981, the Minnesota Vikings ended their time playing at Metropolitan Stadium.

1982: Vikings Move to Metrodome

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

1984: Strikers Start Play

From 1984, the Minnesota Strikers played as a professional soccer team.

1987: Twins Win 1987 World Series

In 1987, the Minnesota Twins won the World Series in a seven-game match where the home team was victorious in all games.

1988: Strikers End Play

Until 1988, the Minnesota Strikers played as a professional soccer team.

1989: Timberwolves Join NBA

In 1989, the Minnesota Timberwolves joined the NBA.

1990: DFL party took the governor's office for the first time in 20 years

In 2010, with Mark Dayton's election, the DFL party took the governor's office for the first time in 20 years. Previously it happened in 1990.

1990: Timberwolves Play in Target Center

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

1991: North Stars Lost Stanley Cup Finals

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

1991: Twins Win 1991 World Series

In 1991, the Minnesota Twins won the World Series in a seven-game match where the home team was victorious in all games.

1992: Minneapolis Hosts NCAA Championship

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

1992: Super Bowl XXVI

In 1992, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome hosted Super Bowl XXVI.

1993: North Stars Depart

In 1993, the Minnesota North Stars departed.

1993: KUOM-AM Adopts College Rock Format

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

February 2, 1996: Record Low Temperature

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

1996: Tom Malchow 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 as a member of the Reform Party.

2000: Population Loss

Between 1980 and 2000, 40 of Minnesota's 87 counties lost residents.

2000: Tom Malchow Gold Medal

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

2001: Minneapolis Hosts NCAA Championship

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

2005: Healthiest state ranking

In 2005, Minnesota was ranked as the healthiest state in the nation.

2005: Biodiesel blend mandate

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

2006: Transportation funding amendment

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

2006: Guthrie Theater relocation

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

2006: Curling Team Bronze Medal

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

2006: Democratic gains in state elections

In the 2006 mid-term election, Democrats were elected to all Minnesota state offices except governor and lieutenant governor, and they made gains in both houses of the legislature.

October 1, 2007: Freedom to Breathe Act

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

2007: Bald Eagle Population

As of 2007, Minnesota hosted the largest number of breeding pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 states.

January 16, 2008: Minnesota Wild Sellout Streak

On January 16, 2008, the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild reached 300 consecutive sold-out games.

2008: Tax rankings

As of 2008, Minnesota ranked 12th in the U.S. 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 elected to U.S. Senate

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

2008: Voter turnout in presidential election

In the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Minnesota had the highest voter turnout of any state at 78.2%, compared to the national average of 61.2%.

2009: Healthiest state ranking decline

Between 2005 and 2009, Minnesota's ranking as the healthiest state declined from first to sixth due to low public health funding and binge drinking.

2009: High school graduation rates

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

2010: Minnesota Cities

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

2010: Minnesota United FC play in NASL

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

2010: Republican control of legislature

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

2010: Twins Play at Target Field

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

2011: Lynx Win WNBA Championship

In 2011, the Minnesota Lynx won the WNBA Championship.

2013: Demolition of the Metrodome

After the 2013 season, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, former home of the Minnesota Vikings, was demolished to make way for U.S. Bank Stadium.

2013: Lynx Win WNBA Championship

In 2013, the Minnesota Lynx won the WNBA Championship.

2013: International education ranking

In a 2013 study by the National Center for Educational Statistics comparing eighth-grade students internationally, Minnesota ranked eighth in the world and third in the United States in math and science.

2014: Religious Affiliation

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

2014: 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 set a new attendance record with over 1.8 million visitors.

2015: Minneapolis named Most Literate City

In 2015, Minneapolis was named the nation's "Most Literate City" in a major annual survey, with St. Paul placing fourth.

2015: Lynx Win WNBA Championship

In 2015, the Minnesota Lynx won the WNBA Championship.

2015: Swarm Moved to Georgia

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

2016: Bob Dylan wins Nobel Prize

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

2016: Iron Ore Production

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

2016: GOP regains control of State Senate

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

2016: Hazeltine Hosts 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 play in NASL

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

2017: Minnesota United FC Joins MLS

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

2017: Lynx Win WNBA Championship

In 2017, the Minnesota Lynx won the WNBA Championship.

2017: American Community Survey

In the 2017 American Community Survey, 5.1% of Minnesota's population were of Hispanic or Latino origin.

February 2018: Super Bowl LII

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

2018: Refugee Population

As of 2018, Minnesota had the largest refugee population per capita of any state, accounting for 13% of the country's refugees with only 2% of the total population.

2018: Duluth Hockey Team Gold Medal

At the 2018 Winter Olympics, the gold medal-winning team from Duluth won gold.

2018: DFL regains control of Minnesota House

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

January 7, 2019: Tim Walz takes office

On January 7, 2019, Tim Walz, a DFLer, became Minnesota's governor.

2019: MPR's Audience Size

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 Hosts NCAA Championship

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

2019: E85 fuel availability

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

2019: Minnesota's GDP

In 2019, Minnesota's economy had a gross domestic product of $383 billion, with numerous top U.S. companies headquartered there.

2019: Per Capita Income

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

2020: Minnesota Population

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

2020: Racial Demographics

As of 2020, according to U.S. census data, the white population in Minnesota had fallen to 77.5%.

2020: Voter turnout in presidential election

In 2020, Minnesota's voter turnout was 79.96% of registered voters, surpassing the 2008 percentage.

2020: Ease of voting rank

In a 2020 study, Minnesota was ranked as the 15th easiest state for citizens to vote in.

2020: Mayo Clinic's hospital ranking

In the 2020–21 U.S. News & World Report survey, the Mayo Clinic ranked among the top four hospitals nationally in several specialized fields and was placed first on the best hospitals honor roll.

2021: Minnesota Fertility Rate

Minnesota's fertility rate in 2021 was slightly below the replacement rate at 1.75.

2023: DFL Gained Control

After a period of mostly divided government, 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.