History of Minnesota in Timeline

Minnesota is a U.S. state in the Upper Midwest, bordering Canada and the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. It's the 12th-largest state by area and the 22nd-most populous, with about 5.8 million residents. Known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," it has over 14,000 freshwater bodies. Approximately one-third of the state is forested, with the rest consisting of prairie and farmland. The Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, called the "Twin Cities," is home to over 60% of Minnesotans and serves as the state's political, economic, and cultural center. Other notable areas include Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead, Rochester, and St. Cloud.

1900: Minnesota Mills Grain Production

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

1901: Washington Senators founding member of American League

In 1901, the Washington Senators became 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: Premiere of "The Minnesota March" at the Minnesota State Fair in September 1927

In September 1927, John Philip Sousa and his band premiered "The Minnesota March" at the Minnesota State Fair before a crowd of 12,000.

Loading Video...

1931: Start of Drought

In 1931, western Minnesota and the Dakotas were hit by a drought, which compounded the economic hardship of the Great Depression.

1934: Indian Reorganization Act

In 1934, the Indian Reorganization Act provided tribes with a mechanism of self-government, leading to a greater voice for Natives within the state and more respect for tribal customs.

1935: End of Drought

The drought that began in 1931 in western Minnesota and the Dakotas ended in 1935. New Deal programs provided some economic turnaround.

July 6, 1936: Record High Temperature

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

1944: Formation of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party in 1944

The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) was formed in 1944 from an alliance of the Minnesota Democratic and Farmer–Labor parties.

1946: Formation of Engineering Research Associates

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

1947: Minneapolis Lakers played in Minneapolis Auditorium

In 1947, the Minneapolis Lakers of the National Basketball Association played 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 at the 1948 Democratic National Convention

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

1949: Medtronic Start

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

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

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

1957: Formation of Control Data Corporation (CDC)

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

1957: Twin Cities Planning Commission

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

1960: Minneapolis Lakers relocate to Los Angeles

In 1960, the Minneapolis Lakers relocated to Los Angeles.

1960: Minnesota's votes for the Democratic nominee since 1960

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

1961: Vikings admission to NFL

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

1961: Twins begin play in the Twin Cities

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

1965: Twins advance to the 1965 World Series

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

1967: Minnesota North Stars compete in NHL

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

1967: Metropolitan Council Formation

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

1971: Minnesota Miracle Legislation

In 1971, under Governor Wendell Anderson, the "Minnesota Miracle" legislation reformed financing of Minnesota public schools and local governments.

1972: Minnesota votes for Republican Richard Nixon in 1972

In 1972, Minnesota was won by Republican Richard Nixon.

1974: A Prairie Home Companion first aired in 1974

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

Loading Video...

1976: Minnesota Kicks played at Metropolitan Stadium

In 1976, the Minnesota Kicks played at Metropolitan Stadium.

1976: Democratic Presidential Nominee Support

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

1976: Minnesota's Electoral College votes for Democratic presidential candidates since 1976

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

1980: Metropolitan County Population Growth

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

1980: Minnesota natives win gold at Winter Olympics

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

1981: Vikings last season at Metropolitan Stadium

1981 was the last year the Minnesota Vikings played at Metropolitan Stadium.

1981: End of Minnesota Kicks

In 1981, The Minnesota Kicks ceased operations.

1981: Minnesota North Stars lost the Stanley Cup Finals

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

1982: Vikings move to Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

In 1982, the Minnesota Vikings moved to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

1984: Minnesota Strikers active

In 1984, The Minnesota Strikers were active.

1987: Twins win the 1987 World Series

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

1988: End of Minnesota Strikers

In 1988, The Minnesota Strikers ceased operations.

1989: Minnesota Timberwolves join the NBA

In 1989, the Minnesota Timberwolves joined the NBA.

1990: Minnesota Timberwolves play in Target Center

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

1990: DFL party gains control of the legislative and executive branches in 1990

Two years after the 2010 election, the DFL regained control of both houses, gaining same-party control of both the legislative and executive branches for the first time since 1990.

1991: Minnesota North Stars lost the Stanley Cup Finals

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

1991: Twins win the 1991 World Series

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

1992: Minneapolis hosts 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 Metrodome.

1993: End of Minnesota North Stars

In 1993, The Minnesota North Stars ceased operations.

1993: KUOM-AM broadcasts college rock format

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

February 2, 1996: Record Low Temperature

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

1996: Tom Malchow wins silver at Summer Olympics

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

1998: Jesse Ventura elected as governor in 1998

In 1998, former mayor of Brooklyn Park and professional wrestler Jesse Ventura was elected to the governorship by the Reform Party, now the Independence Party.

2000: Rural County Population Loss

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

2000: Tom Malchow wins gold at Summer Olympics

In the 2000 Summer games, swimmer Tom Malchow won an Olympic gold medal.

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

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

2005: Minnesota ranked as the healthiest state in the nation in 2005

Minnesota was ranked as the healthiest state in the nation in 2005 by two groups.

2005: Biodiesel blend requirement in Minnesota in 2005

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

2006: Constitutional amendment for transportation funding in 2006

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 relocation in 2006

In 2006, the Guthrie Theater, a world-renowned theater, relocated to a new facility in Minneapolis, featuring three stages and overlooking the Mississippi River.

2006: U.S. men's curling team wins bronze at Winter Olympics

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

2006: Democrats elected to all state offices in 2006

In the 2006 mid-term election, Democrats were elected to all state offices in Minnesota, except governor and lieutenant governor. The DFL also posted double-digit gains in both houses of the legislature and elected Amy Klobuchar to the U.S. Senate.

October 1, 2007: Freedom to Breathe Act takes effect in Minnesota on October 1, 2007

On October 1, 2007, the Freedom to Breathe Act went into effect, which outlawed smoking in restaurants and bars in Minnesota.

2007: Bald Eagle Population

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

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

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

2008: Minnesota's tax ranking and percentage of income paid in taxes in 2008

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

2008: Al Franken defeated Norm Coleman in the U.S. Senate race in 2008

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

2008: Minnesota's voter turnout in the 2008 U.S. presidential election

In the 2008 U.S. presidential election, 78.2% of eligible Minnesotans voted, the highest percentage of any U.S. state.

2009: Minnesota's health ranking declines in 2009

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: Minnesota's high school graduation rate in 2009

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: City Populations

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

2010: Minnesota United FC play in North American Soccer League

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

2010: Republicans take control of the Minnesota legislature in 2010

In the 2010 election, Republicans took control of both chambers of the Minnesota legislature for the first time in 38 years, and the DFL party took the governor's office.

2010: Twins begin play at Target Field

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

2011: Minnesota Lynx win WNBA Championship

In 2011, the Minnesota Lynx won the Women's National Basketball Association Championship.

2013: Demolition of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

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

2013: Minnesota's ranking in international math and science performance in 2013

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 win WNBA Championship

In 2013, the Minnesota Lynx won the Women's National Basketball Association Championship.

2014: Religious Affiliation

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

2014: Minnesota students' ACT scores in 2014

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

2014: Minnesota State Fair attendance record in 2014

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

In 2015, Minneapolis was named the nation's "Most Literate City", while St. Paul placed fourth.

2015: Minnesota Lynx win WNBA Championship

In 2015, the Minnesota Lynx won the Women's National Basketball Association Championship.

2015: Minnesota Swarm move to Georgia

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

2016: End of Minnesota United FC in North American Soccer League

In 2016, Minnesota United FC ceased operations in the North American Soccer League.

2016: Bob Dylan wins Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016

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 the State Senate in 2016

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

2016: Hazeltine National Golf Club 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.

2017: Minnesota United FC joins Major League Soccer

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

2017: Minnesota Lynx win WNBA Championship

In 2017, the Minnesota Lynx won the Women's National Basketball Association Championship.

2017: Hispanic or Latino Origin

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

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

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

2018: Refugee Population

As of 2018, Minnesota had the largest refugee population per capita of any state, with 2% of the country's population but 13% of its refugees.

2018: DFL retakes control of the Minnesota House and elects Tim Walz as Governor in 2018

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

2018: Duluth team wins gold at Winter Olympics

In the 2018 Winter Olympics, the gold medal-winning curling team was from Duluth.

January 7, 2019: Tim Walz takes office in January 2019

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

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

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

2019: MPR audience size

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

2019: Ethanol fuel usage in Minnesota in 2019

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

2019: Gross Domestic Product

In 2019, Minnesota's economy had a gross domestic product of $383 billion.

2019: Minnesota Personal Income

In 2019, Minnesota's per capita personal income was $58,834, the thirteenth-highest in the nation.

2020: Minnesota Population

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 had fallen to 77.5% from over 98% in the early to mid-20th century, while other racial populations increased.

2020: Minnesota's voter turnout in 2020

In 2020, 79.96% of registered voters in Minnesota participated in the general election.

2020: Minnesota ranked as 15th easiest state to vote in, in 2020

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

2020: Mayo Clinic's ranking in U.S. News & World Report's 2020-21 survey

In the U.S. News & World Report's 2020–21 survey, the Mayo Clinic was ranked in the top four hospitals in the country in most specialized fields of care and ranked first on the best hospitals honor roll.

2021: Fertility Rate

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

2023: DFL Control and 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.