How Minnesota Became a State

Minnesota has a long and rich history that is deeply rooted in the United States’ past. From the first settlers who arrived in the area in the early 1800s to the state’s admission to the Union in 1858, Minnesota has played an important role in the development of the country. The process of statehood for Minnesota was a long and complicated one, beginning with the establishment of the Minnesota Territory in 1849 and ending with the admission of Minnesota as the 32nd state in 1858.

Pre-Statehood History

Early Native American inhabitants

The first inhabitants of what is now Minnesota were Native American tribes, including the Dakota, Ojibwe, and Menominee. These tribes had been living in the area for centuries prior to the arrival of Europeans. They hunted, fished, and farmed the land, and had established a complex social and political structure. These tribes had a deep connection to the land, and the area was an important part of their cultural identity.

French and British exploration

The first Europeans to explore the area were French fur traders, who arrived in the late 1600s. They established trading posts and interacted with the Native American tribes, exchanging goods for furs. The British also explored the area, and gained control of the region after the French and Indian War. The British maintained control of the area until the Revolutionary War, when the United States gained control of the region.

U.S. acquisition of the area

The United States acquired the area in 1783, after the Revolutionary War. The area was initially part of the Northwest Territory, and was later organized as part of the Indiana Territory. In 1805, the area was organized as the Michigan Territory, and in 1818, it was organized as the Wisconsin Territory. In 1849, the area was organized as the Minnesota Territory, and in 1858, it became the 32nd state in the Union.

The Process of Statehood

The Minnesota Territory

The Minnesota Territory was established in 1849, when the United States Congress passed the Minnesota Organic Act. This act created the Minnesota Territory, which included the present-day states of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and parts of Montana and Wyoming. The act also established a territorial government, which was headed by a governor appointed by the President of the United States. The first governor of the Minnesota Territory was Alexander Ramsey, who served from 1849 to 1853. The territorial government also included a legislative assembly, which was composed of a House of Representatives and a Council. The legislative assembly had the power to pass laws and make decisions about the territory.

The Minnesota Constitution

In 1857, the residents of the Minnesota Territory voted to create a state constitution. This constitution established a state government, which included an elected governor, a bicameral legislature, and a judicial system. The constitution also outlined the rights of citizens, such as the right to vote and the right to a jury trial. The constitution was ratified by the people of the Minnesota Territory in 1857, and was approved by the United States Congress in 1858.

Admission to the Union

In 1858, the United States Congress passed the Minnesota Enabling Act, which allowed the Minnesota Territory to become a state. The act required the people of the Minnesota Territory to hold a referendum to approve the state constitution. The referendum was held in 1858, and the state constitution was approved by the people of the Minnesota Territory. The United States Congress then passed the Minnesota Admission Act, which officially admitted the Minnesota Territory as the 32nd state in the Union. On May 11, 1858, Minnesota officially became a state.

Post-Statehood History

Expansion of the State

After becoming a state, Minnesota continued to expand its boundaries. In 1858, the state acquired the land that would become the Iron Range, an area rich in iron ore deposits. This acquisition was followed by the addition of the Red River Valley in 1867, which was a major agricultural area. In 1872, the state acquired the land that would become the Minnesota Arrowhead Region, an area known for its abundance of natural resources. In 1889, the state acquired the land that would become the Minnesota North Shore, an area known for its scenic beauty.

Industrialization

The expansion of the state led to an increase in industrialization. The Iron Range was developed for iron ore mining, and the Red River Valley was developed for agriculture. The Minnesota Arrowhead Region was developed for logging, and the Minnesota North Shore was developed for tourism. This industrialization helped to create jobs and boost the economy of the state.

Political and Social Developments

The industrialization of the state led to political and social developments. The state government was able to provide better services to its citizens, and the economy of the state improved. This led to an increase in population and an increase in the number of businesses. This also led to an increase in the number of educational institutions, which provided more opportunities for citizens to get an education. This led to an increase in the quality of life for citizens of the state. Additionally, the state was able to pass laws that provided better protections for citizens, such as the Minnesota Civil Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This helped to create a more equitable society in the state.