1. In 1861, Minnesota became the first state to offer financial support to families of soldiers who were serving in the Civil War. The state's governor authorized the creation of a fund to provide $15 per month to the families of soldiers who had died or been disabled in the line of duty.

2. In 1904, Minneapolis hosted the first state conservation congress in the United States. The congress brought together policymakers, conservationists, and other stakeholders to discuss efforts to protect Minnesota's natural resources, including its forests, lakes, and wildlife.

3. In 1952, a tornado struck the town of Austin, Minnesota, killing 12 people and injuring over 400. The disaster remains one of the deadliest tornadoes in Minnesota history.

4. In 1980, the Minnesota Twins played their first game at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis. The stadium, which was known for its distinctive white roof and inflatable panels, served as the Twins' home field for nearly 30 years.

5. In 2011, severe weather struck the Twin Cities metro area, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. The storm caused widespread damage, particularly in the suburbs of North Minneapolis and St. Louis Park, where several homes were destroyed and numerous trees were uprooted.