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

Its civic profile reflects Dakota and Ojibwe history, lakes and forests, agriculture, the Iron Range, health care, education, Twin Cities institutions, immigrant communities, and a strong habit of public participation. State decisions often involve schools, transit, rural hospitals, water, housing, taxes, tribal relations, and the balance between metropolitan and Greater Minnesota priorities. From here, readers can move straight to Minnesota’s federal delegation, statehouse leadership, and the public records behind any claim made about state policy.