1. On August 21, 1862, the U.S.-Dakota War began in Minnesota. This conflict, which lasted for six weeks, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of settlers and Native Americans and led to the exile of thousands of Dakota people to reservations in other states.

2. August 21, 1922, saw the opening of the famous Lake Itasca State Park in northwestern Minnesota. This park is known for its beautiful forests, clear lakes, and the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River.

3. On August 21, 1959, Minnesota native Bob Dylan performed his first paid concert at a small coffeehouse in Minneapolis. This performance marked the beginning of Dylan's legendary musical career.

4. August 21, 1974, saw the opening of the iconic "Theatre in the Round" in Minneapolis. This unique theatre style, in which the audience surrounds the stage on all sides, has become a staple of the Minneapolis arts scene.

5. Finally, on August 21, 2007, Minnesota became the first state in the nation to ban smoking in all public places, including bars and restaurants. This landmark legislation was a major victory for public health advocates and set an important precedent for other states to follow.