1. The University of Minnesota was founded on December 2, 1851. The school was initially a preparatory school but expanded quickly into a full university, becoming the flagship institution of the Minnesota state system. It now has five campuses across the state and is one of the largest universities in the region.

2. The first successful heart transplant in Minnesota was performed on December 2, 1985, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The recipient, who had been suffering from heart disease, lived for another 15 years after the surgery. The Mayo Clinic is one of the most prestigious medical centers in the world and has been at the forefront of many medical breakthroughs.

3. On December 2, 1978, the American Indian Movement (AIM) took over the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) building in Minneapolis. AIM was a civil rights organization that fought against discrimination and oppression of Native Americans. The takeover of the BIA building was a significant moment in the movement's history, as it drew national attention to their cause.

4. The Minnesota Timberwolves, the state's NBA team, played their first game on December 2, 1989, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Wolves lost to the Seattle SuperSonics 106-94 but went on to become a competitive team in the league. They have made the playoffs eight times in their history and have had several standout players, including Kevin Garnett and Karl-Anthony Towns.

5. On December 2, 1825, the first permanent white settlement in what is now Minnesota was established at Fort Snelling. The fort, which was built by the United States Army to establish control over the region, played a key role in early Minnesota history. It also served as an important trading post, and its location at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers made it a strategic military site. Today, the fort is a popular tourist attraction and historical landmark.