1. In 1864, the state's first soldiers' home opened in Minneapolis. It provided housing, medical care, and other assistance to veterans of the Civil War and their families.

2. On April 4, 2011, a tornado outbreak struck Minnesota, causing widespread damage and several fatalities. The storms affected communities across the state, including St. Peter, where a tornado hit Gustavus Adolphus College.

3. In 1973, the Minnesota Twins played their first game at the brand new Metrodome stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The team defeated the Washington Senators 7-6 in the first of many games played under the stadium's iconic white roof.

4. On April 4, 1858, a delegation of Dakota leaders met with Minnesota Governor Henry Sibley to discuss the ongoing conflict between the Dakota people and European settlers. The meeting ultimately failed to resolve the tensions, which would escalate into the Dakota War of 1862.

5. In 1994, the Mall of America in Bloomington opened its doors to the public. At the time, it was the largest indoor shopping center in the world, with more than 2.5 million square feet of retail space and over 500 stores. Today, the mall remains a popular destination for shopping, entertainment, and dining in the Twin Cities area.