1679    Europeans first visit Minnesota and see headwaters of Mississippi in an expedition led by Daniel Greysolon de Du Luth.

1858    Minnesota is admitted as the 32nd U.S. State.

1862    Indian Wars: The Dakota War of 1862 begins in Minnesota as Lakota warriors attack white settlements along the Minnesota River.

1862    Indian Wars: during an uprising in Minnesota, Lakota warriors decide not to attack heavily-defended Fort Ridgely and instead turn to the settlement of New Ulm, killing white settlers along the way.

1862    Indian Wars: In Minnesota, 303 Dakota warriors are found guilty of rape and murder of whites and are sentenced to hang. 38 are ultimately executed and the others reprieved.

1867    Former Minnesota farmer Oliver Hudson Kelley founds the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (better known today as the Grange).

1918    A massive forest fire kills 453 people in Minnesota.

1920    Duluth lynchings in Minnesota.

1986    A tornado is broadcast live on KARE television in Minnesota when the station's helicopter pilot makes a chance encounter.

1999    Former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura is sworn in as governor of Minnesota.

2007    The I-35W Mississippi River Bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota, collapses during the evening rush hour.