Minnesota Historical Society. 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55102 651-259-3000 • 1-800-657-3773. Box office: 651-259-3015 • 844-667-8679 . Contact MNHS • Locations & Hours

Minnesota became the 32nd state of the union on May 11, 1858. A small extension of the northern boundary makes it the most northerly of the 48 conterminous U.S. states. (This peculiar protrusion is...

1686– 1762: The French established a chain of forts and small settlements in the area of Minnesota. 1763–1819: The area was controlled by British fur traders of the Northwest Company. 1783: Great Britain grants eastern portions of Minnesota to the United States. 1787–1800: Part of Northwest Territory.

In Minnesota history, the land that was to the west of the Mississippi River was handed over to Spain circa 1760. France continued with its successful fur trading in the region where hunting was excellent. At the end of the Indian and French war, circa 1765, Britain was in control of Minnesota's eastern region.

Minnesota History magazine provides history lovers with intriguing stories about Minnesota’s past in full-color, richly illustrated print and digital formats. The magazine is published four times a year as a benefit of MNHS membership and is also available by subscription .