1. In 1964, the first major league baseball game in Minnesota was played at Metropolitan Stadium. The Minnesota Twins defeated the Washington Senators 5-3 on July 31.

2. On July 31, 1991, Minnesota became the first state in the country to require carbon monoxide alarms in new homes. The law was passed in response to a deadly incident in which 18 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a home without an alarm.

3. The town of Edina, Minnesota was officially incorporated on July 31, 1888. Today, Edina is a thriving Minneapolis suburb known for its high-end shopping and dining.

4. On July 31, 1921, the SS Eastland capsized in the Chicago River during a tour, killing 844 people. Among the victims were many residents of Minnesota, who were on board as part of a day trip.

5. In 1971, the Minnesota State Fair set a new attendance record on July 31, with over 224,000 visitors. The fair remains one of the state's biggest annual events, drawing millions of visitors each year.