Statehood 1858

Minnesota

The northeastern portion of Minnesota, encompassing the Great Lakes area, was part of the French Pays d'en Haut from 1610. Following France's defeat in the Seven Years' War, the Treaty of Paris (1763) transferred this region to Britain as part of the Province of Quebec. It subsequently passed through American territorial organization as the Territory of Minnesota (1849–1858) before Minnesota achieved statehood on May 11, 1858.

Statehood
1858
Historic sites
1,821
Military engagements
133

Pre-contact era

The earliest people followed herds of large game to the region during the last glacial period. They were the ancestors who preceded by thousands of years the recognized tribal communities of the Dakota, the Ioway, and other indigenous inhabitants. Fur traders from France arrived during the 17th century, as did the Anishinaabe.

Colonial history

French explorers reached Lake Superior region by 1660; Duluth claimed for France 1679.

Ceded to Britain by Treaty of Paris 1763.

US sovereignty 1783; Minnesota Territory 1849; statehood 1858.

Territorial period

The Territory of Minnesota existed from March 3, 1849, until May 11, 1858, when the eastern portion was admitted to the Union as the state of Minnesota.

Statehood

Minnesota became the 32nd U.S. state on May 11, 1858.

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Regional histories

Northeast Minnesota Great Lakes
›
Western Minnesota Louisiana
›

Explore Minnesota records

1,821
National Register historic sites
National Register listings ›
133
Military engagements
Military history records ›
1
Civil War regiments
Union, Confederate, USCT ›
3
Indigenous groups
Heritage records ›
14
Notable figures
Born in Minnesota ›
20
Colonial-era events
1492 to early statehood ›
Minnesota counties
Census population history ›
Sources

State history content adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Historic sites data: National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

About Minnesota

When did Minnesota become a state?
Minnesota was admitted to the Union in 1858. Minnesota became the 32nd U.S. state on May 11, 1858.
What European powers colonized Minnesota?
The territory that became Minnesota passed through several colonial periods. French explorers reached Lake Superior region by 1660; Duluth claimed for France 1679. Ceded to Britain by Treaty of Paris 1763. US sovereignty 1783; Minnesota Territory 1849; statehood 1858.
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