History of Minnesota in Timeline
Minnesota, located in the Upper Midwest, is the 12th largest US state by area and 22nd most populous. Known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," it boasts over 14,000 bodies of water exceeding ten acres each. The state's landscape is characterized by forests, prairies, and farmland. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, home to 60% of the state's population, serves as the primary political, economic, and cultural center. Other notable cities include Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead, Rochester, and St. Cloud.
1900: Flour Milling Dominance
By 1900, Minnesota's flour mills, particularly those in Minneapolis, were responsible for grinding a significant portion (14.1%) of the nation's grain, demonstrating their dominance in the industry.
1901: Washington Senators Join American League
The Washington Senators baseball team was established in 1901 as a founding member of the American League.
1922: KUOM-AM First Broadcast
KUOM-AM, Minnesota's oldest radio station, began broadcasting in 1922, making it one of the ten oldest radio stations in the U.S.
September 1927: "The Minnesota March" Premieres at the Minnesota State Fair
John Philip Sousa and his band premiered "The Minnesota March" at the Minnesota State Fair in September 1927 to a crowd of 12,000 people.
1931: Drought Begins
Beginning in 1931 and lasting until 1935, a severe drought struck western Minnesota and the Dakotas, further exacerbating the economic hardship of the Great Depression.
1934: Indian Reorganization Act
In 1934, the Indian Reorganization Act provided Native American tribes with a framework for self-governance, giving them a stronger voice within the state and fostering respect for their traditions.
1935: Drought Ends
The drought that plagued western Minnesota and the Dakotas since 1931 came to an end in 1935.
July 6, 1936: Record High Temperature
Minnesota experienced its highest recorded temperature of 114 °F (46 °C) in Moorhead on July 6, 1936, demonstrating the state's potential for extreme summer heat.
1944: Formation of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) emerged in 1944, born from a strategic alliance between the Minnesota Democratic and Farmer–Labor parties.
1946: Engineering Research Associates
Engineering Research Associates was established in 1946 with the purpose of developing computers for the United States Navy, marking the beginning of Minnesota's emergence as a technology hub.
1947: Minneapolis Lakers Join NBA
The Minneapolis Lakers began playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1947, using the Minneapolis Auditorium as their home court.
April 27, 1948: First Television Broadcast in Minnesota
Broadcast television in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest began on April 27, 1948, with the launch of KSTP-TV.
1948: Hubert Humphrey's Impact at Democratic National Convention
Hubert Humphrey, hailing from Minnesota, made a significant impact with his address at the 1948 Democratic National Convention, bringing national recognition to the state.
1949: Medtronic Begins Operations
The medical device company Medtronic was founded in the Twin Cities in 1949, contributing to the state's growing medical technology sector.
1951: Minneapolis Hosts NCAA Men's Basketball Championship
Minneapolis hosted the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship in 1951.
1957: Twin Cities Planning Commission
In a move towards regional planning, the legislature created a planning commission for the Twin Cities metropolitan area in 1957, which later evolved into the Metropolitan Council.
1957: Control Data Corporation Founded
William Norris left Sperry Rand in 1957 to establish Control Data Corporation (CDC), further solidifying Minnesota's place in the burgeoning computer industry.
1960: Lakers Relocate to Los Angeles
In 1960, the Minneapolis Lakers relocated to Los Angeles, California.
1960: Minnesota's Democratic Voting Trend in Presidential Elections
Since 1960, Minnesota has consistently voted for the Democratic nominee in every presidential election, except in 1972.
1961: Minnesota Vikings Join NFL
The Minnesota Vikings joined the National Football League (NFL) as an expansion team in 1961.
1961: Washington Senators Relocate to Minnesota
The Washington Senators, a founding member of the American League in 1901, relocated to Minnesota in 1961, becoming the Minnesota Twins.
1965: Twins Lose 1965 World Series
The Minnesota Twins played in the 1965 World Series, ultimately losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games.
1967: North Stars Join NHL
The Minnesota North Stars joined the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1967.
1967: Metropolitan Council Established
The Twin Cities planning commission, created in 1957, transitioned into the Metropolitan Council in 1967, further solidifying regional governance in the area.
1971: Minnesota Miracle
The "Minnesota Miracle" legislation, enacted in 1971 under Governor Wendell Anderson, brought about comprehensive reforms in funding for public schools and local governments, aiming for more equitable distribution of resources.
1972: Richard Nixon Wins Minnesota
In a departure from its usual voting pattern, Minnesota was won by Republican candidate Richard Nixon in the 1972 presidential election.
1974: A Prairie Home Companion Premiere
The long-running comedy radio show "A Prairie Home Companion" first aired on National Public Radio in 1974.
1976: Minnesota Kicks Begin Play
The Minnesota Kicks, a professional soccer team, began playing at Metropolitan Stadium in 1976.
1976: Minnesota's Consistent Support for Democratic Presidential Candidates
Minnesota has maintained an unbroken record of casting its Electoral College votes for Democratic presidential candidates since 1976, making it the longest streak among all states.
1976: Democratic Voting Trend
Since 1976, Minnesota has consistently voted for Democratic presidential nominees, making it unique among Midwestern states for its Democratic stronghold.
1980: Population Shift Begins
Between 1980 and 2000, a notable population shift occurred in Minnesota, with metropolitan Sherburne and Scott counties experiencing a doubling in residents, while 40 out of 87 counties saw a decline.
1980: Twelve Minnesotans Win Gold at 1980 Winter Olympics
Twelve Minnesotan athletes were part of the U.S. men's ice hockey team that won the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics, a team coached by Minnesota native Herb Brooks.
1981: Minnesota Kicks Cease Operations
The Minnesota Kicks soccer team ceased operations in 1981.
1981: North Stars Lose 1981 Stanley Cup Finals
The Minnesota North Stars reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1981 but lost to the New York Islanders.
1981: Vikings Conclude Play at Metropolitan Stadium
The Minnesota Vikings played their final game at Metropolitan Stadium in 1981.
1982: Vikings Begin Play at the Metrodome
The Minnesota Vikings played their first game at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in 1982.
1984: Minnesota Strikers Begin Play
The Minnesota Strikers, a professional soccer team, were formed in 1984.
1987: Twins Win 1987 World Series
The Minnesota Twins won the 1987 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, with the home team winning every game of the seven-game series.
1988: Minnesota Strikers Cease Operations
The Minnesota Strikers soccer team ceased operations in 1988.
1989: Timberwolves Join NBA
The Minnesota Timberwolves joined the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1989.
1990: Timberwolves Begin Play at Target Center
The Minnesota Timberwolves began playing their home games at Target Center in 1990.
1990: DFL Control of Minnesota Government
Prior to 2010, the last time the DFL had simultaneous control of both the legislative and executive branches in Minnesota was in 1990.
1991: Twins Win 1991 World Series
In 1991, the Minnesota Twins won the World Series, defeating the Atlanta Braves in seven games. Notably, the home team emerged victorious in every game of this series as well.
1991: North Stars Lose 1991 Stanley Cup Finals
The Minnesota North Stars again made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1991, but were defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
1992: Minneapolis Hosts NCAA Men's Basketball Championship
Minneapolis hosted the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship in 1992.
1992: Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome
Super Bowl XXVI was played at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in 1992.
1993: KUOM-AM Format Change
In 1993, KUOM-AM, owned by the University of Minnesota, adopted a college rock format, which it continues to broadcast today.
1993: North Stars Leave NHL
The Minnesota North Stars ceased to compete in the NHL after the 1993 season.
February 2, 1996: Record Low Temperature
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Minnesota was -60 °F (-51 °C) in Tower on February 2, 1996, showcasing the state's extreme winter conditions.
1996: Tom Malchow Wins Olympic Silver
Swimmer Tom Malchow, a Minnesota native, won a silver medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
1998: Jesse Ventura Elected Governor
The Reform Party, which later became the Independence Party, celebrated a victory in 1998 when its candidate, former Brooklyn Park mayor and professional wrestler Jesse Ventura, was elected Governor of Minnesota.
2000: Population Shift Ends
By 2000, the population shift that began in 1980 became apparent, with significant growth in metropolitan areas like Sherburne and Scott counties contrasting with population losses in many rural counties.
2000: Tom Malchow Wins Olympic Gold
Minnesota swimmer Tom Malchow won a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
2001: Minneapolis Hosts NCAA Men's Basketball Championship
Minneapolis hosted the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship in 2001.
2005: Biodiesel Mandate in Minnesota
Demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices, Minnesota implemented a mandate in 2005 requiring a 2% biodiesel blend in diesel fuel.
2005: Minnesota Ranked Healthiest State
In 2005, Minnesota achieved the top ranking as the healthiest state in the nation due to positive health indicators.
2006: Arts and Culture in Minnesota
By 2006, Minnesota, particularly the Twin Cities, had established itself as a hub for arts and culture. The Guthrie Theater's move to a new Minneapolis facility, with its three stages overlooking the Mississippi River, symbolized this flourishing scene. The Twin Cities boasted a thriving theater community, second only to New York City in the U.S., with approximately 2.3 million theater tickets sold annually.
2006: 2006 Midterm Elections in Minnesota
In the 2006 midterm elections in Minnesota, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party made significant gains, winning all state offices except for governor and lieutenant governor, where Republicans Tim Pawlenty and Carol Molnau were re-elected. The DFL increased their majority in the state legislature, elected Amy Klobuchar to the U.S. Senate, and gained a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
2006: U.S. Men's Curling Team Wins Bronze
The United States men's curling team, which included Minnesota athletes, won a bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
2006: Constitutional Amendment on Transportation Funding
A constitutional amendment passed in 2006 mandated that sales and use taxes collected on motor vehicles in Minnesota be allocated to transportation funding, with a minimum of 40% designated for public transit.
October 1, 2007: Freedom to Breathe Act Implemented
On October 1, 2007, the Freedom to Breathe Act came into effect in Minnesota, prohibiting smoking in bars and restaurants.
2007: Bald Eagle Population Peak
As of 2007, Minnesota boasted the highest number of breeding pairs of bald eagles among the lower 48 states, highlighting its successful conservation efforts.
January 16, 2008: Minnesota Wild Sell Out Streak
On January 16, 2008, the Minnesota Wild achieved a milestone of 300 consecutive sold-out games at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
2008: 2008 U.S. Senate Election in Minnesota
In 2008, Al Franken, a DFLer, former comedian, and radio talk show host, defeated incumbent Republican Norm Coleman in a close U.S. Senate race in Minnesota. Franken won by a narrow margin of 312 votes out of three million cast.
2008: Tax Structure and Revenue in Minnesota
In 2008, Minnesota had a progressive income tax structure and ranked twelfth in per capita state and local taxes. Minnesotans contributed 10.2% of their income in state and local taxes, slightly higher than the national average of 9.7%. The state's sales tax, at 6.875%, exempted essential items like clothing, prescription drugs, and food for home consumption.
2008: Minnesota Leads Nation in Voter Turnout
In the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Minnesota recorded the highest voter turnout among all states, with 78.2% of eligible voters participating.
2009: Minnesota with Second Highest High School Graduation Rate
In 2009, Minnesota had the second-highest percentage of high school graduates in the U.S., with 91.5% of people aged 25 and above holding a diploma.
2009: Minnesota's Health Ranking Declines
Minnesota's health ranking dropped from first to sixth between 2005 and 2009, attributed to lower public health funding and increased binge drinking.
2010: Twins Begin Play at Target Field
The Minnesota Twins played their first game at Target Field in 2010.
2010: 2010 Minnesota General Election
In the 2010 general election, the Republican party won control of both chambers of the Minnesota legislature for the first time in 38 years. Mark Dayton, a member of the DFL party, was elected governor, marking the first time in 20 years that the DFL had won the governor's office.
2010: Population Data
Based on the 2010 census, Minnesota had 17 cities with populations exceeding 50,000, highlighting the state's significant urban centers.
2010: Minnesota United FC Joins NASL
Minnesota United FC began playing in the North American Soccer League (NASL), a lower-division professional soccer league, in 2010.
2011: Lynx Win First WNBA Championship
The Minnesota Lynx won their first Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Championship in 2011.
2013: Minnesota Students Excel in Math and Science
A 2013 study revealed that Minnesota's eighth-grade students achieved impressive results in math and science, ranking eighth globally and third in the U.S.
2013: Vikings Conclude Play at the Metrodome
After the 2013 NFL season, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, former home of the Minnesota Vikings, was demolished.
2013: Lynx Win Third WNBA Championship
The Minnesota Lynx won their third WNBA Championship in 2013, adding to their previous victories.
2014: Religious Landscape of Minnesota
By 2014, Minnesota's religious landscape had become diverse, influenced by historical and ongoing immigration. The Pew Research Center reported that 74% of Minnesotans identified as Christian, reflecting early Catholic missionary influence and later Protestant denominations established by European settlers. Non-Christian faiths, representing 5% of the population, and those identifying as religiously unaffiliated (20%) added to the state's religious diversity.
2014: Minnesota Students Score High on ACT Exam
Minnesota's students demonstrated strong academic performance in 2014, achieving the tenth-highest average composite score nationwide on the ACT exam.
2014: Record Attendance at the Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair, also known as The Great Minnesota Get-Together, attracted a record-breaking 1.8 million visitors in 2014.
2015: Minneapolis Named "Most Literate City"
Minneapolis earned the title of "Most Literate City" in the nation in 2015, according to a prominent annual survey, with St. Paul securing the fourth position.
2015: Lynx Win Fourth WNBA Championship
The Minnesota Lynx secured their fourth WNBA Championship in 2015, further cementing their dominance in the league.
2015: Minnesota Swarm Relocates to Georgia
The Minnesota Swarm of the National Lacrosse League relocated to Georgia in 2015.
2016: Republican Control of Minnesota Senate
In 2016, the Republican party regained control of the Minnesota Senate, adding to their control of the Minnesota House, which they had won in 2014.
2016: Minnesota United FC Leaves NASL
Minnesota United FC played its last season in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 2016.
2016: Industrial Transformation and Key Industries in Minnesota
By 2016, Minnesota's industries had undergone a significant transformation. While agriculture, despite employing less than 1% of the population, remained a major economic contributor, the state had diversified into other sectors. Notably, Minnesota was a leading producer of iron ore, accounting for 60% of the country's usable output. The manufacturing sector expanded beyond food processing and heavy industry to include technology and biomedical firms.
2016: Nobel Prize in Literature for Bob Dylan
In 2016, Minnesota native Robert Zimmerman, known professionally as Bob Dylan, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, marking a significant cultural moment for the state.
2016: Hazeltine Hosts Ryder Cup
Hazeltine National Golf Club hosted the Ryder Cup in the fall of 2016, becoming one of only two courses in the United States to host all major golf competitions.
2017: American Community Survey in Minnesota
According to the 2017 American Community Survey, Minnesota had a diverse population with a significant Hispanic or Latino presence, and strong representation from German, Norwegian, Irish, Swedish, and English ancestry groups. Notably, Minnesota was home to the country's largest Somali and Hmong populations per capita, as well as substantial Norwegian American and Swedish American communities.
2017: Lynx Win Fifth WNBA Championship
In 2017, the Minnesota Lynx clinched their fifth WNBA Championship title, solidifying their status as one of the league's most successful franchises.
2017: Minnesota United FC Joins MLS
Minnesota United FC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as an expansion team in 2017.
February 2018: Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium
U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings, hosted Super Bowl LII in February 2018.
2018: Duluth Curling Team Wins Gold
A curling team from Duluth, Minnesota, won the gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
2018: Refugee Resettlement in Minnesota
By 2018, Minnesota had become a leading state for refugee resettlement, housing a disproportionately large percentage of the nation's refugees. Significant refugee groups settling in Minnesota over the preceding decades included Hmongs, Somalis, Ethiopians, and Vietnamese. More recent additions to the state's refugee population included people from Burma, Liberia, Ecuador, Congo, Russia, and Ukraine. In addition to refugees, Minnesota also welcomed a large number of non-refugee immigrants, mainly from Mexico, India, China, Korea, and Canada.
2018: 2018 Minnesota General Election
The DFL regained control of the Minnesota House in the 2018 general election. In the same election, DFL candidate Tim Walz was elected Governor of Minnesota.
January 7, 2019: Tim Walz Becomes Governor of Minnesota
Tim Walz, a member of the DFL party, assumed the office of Governor of Minnesota on January 7, 2019.
2019: Per Capita Income and Household Income in Minnesota
Minnesota boasted a strong economic standing in 2019, with a per capita personal income of $58,834, positioning it as the thirteenth-highest in the nation. This economic prosperity was further highlighted by a median household income of $74,593, ranking thirteenth in the U.S. and fifth among non-Atlantic coast states.
2019: Minneapolis Hosts NCAA Men's Basketball Championship
Minneapolis hosted the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship in 2019.
2019: Economic Growth and Diversity in Minnesota
In 2019, Minnesota's economy, with a gross domestic product of $383 billion, was marked by diversity. The state was home to 33 of the United States' top 1,000 publicly traded companies, demonstrating a shift from its historical focus on raw materials to finished products and services.
2019: Renewable Energy in Minnesota
In 2019, Minnesota emerged as a leader in renewable energy, with over 411 service stations providing E85 fuel. This commitment to renewable energy was evident in its top ten ranking for wind energy production, supplying nearly one-fifth of the state's electrical energy.
2019: Minnesota Public Radio Audience Reach
As of 2019, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) broadcast on 46 radio stations and had the largest audience of any regional public radio network in the United States.
2020: 2020 Voting Accessibility Study
A study conducted in 2020 ranked Minnesota as the 15th easiest state for citizens to vote in, out of all 50 U.S. states.
2020: Population Reaches 5.7 Million
In 2020, Minnesota's population reached approximately 5.7 million, securing its position as the 22nd most populous state in the U.S., as per the United States Census Bureau and the Minnesota State Demographic Center.
2020: Record-Breaking Voter Turnout in Minnesota
Minnesota achieved a remarkable 79.96% voter participation rate in the 2020 general election, surpassing its previous record.
2020: Mayo Clinic Highly Ranked in U.S. News & World Report Survey
The Mayo Clinic received high rankings in the 2020-21 U.S. News & World Report survey, securing a top-four position in most specialized fields of care.
2020: Racial Demographics Shift
U.S. census data from 2020 revealed a significant shift in Minnesota's racial demographics, with the white population decreasing to 77.5% from over 98% in the early to mid-20th century, accompanied by a noticeable increase in other racial populations.
2021: Fertility Rate
Minnesota's fertility rate in 2021 was recorded at 1.75, slightly below the replacement rate.
2023: DFL Gains Slim Majority in Minnesota Legislature
Beginning in 2023, the DFL party secured a narrow majority in both the House and Senate of the Minnesota Legislature.
2023: DFL Control and Reforms
The DFL (Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party) gained control of all three branches of Minnesota's government and implemented significant reforms during the 2023 legislative session, signifying a progressive shift in state policies.
2028: Ryder Cup Returns to Hazeltine
Hazeltine National Golf Club is scheduled to host the Ryder Cup again in 2028.