1. On October 21, 1918, the death toll from the Spanish flu pandemic in Minnesota reached over 4,000. The state had already implemented measures such as closing schools and public spaces to try to halt the spread of the virus.

2. In 1880, future Minnesota Governor John Johnson was born on October 21 in St. Peter. Johnson would go on to serve as governor from 1905 to 1909 and again from 1913 until his death in 1918.

3. On this day in 1985, the first ever Twin Cities Marathon was held. The race has since become a popular annual event, drawing thousands of runners from around the world.

4. In 1972, the iconic Metrodome stadium in downtown Minneapolis officially opened. The 64,000-seat venue was home to the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, as well as hosting numerous concerts and other events over the years.

5. On October 21, 1901, Charles A. Pillsbury donated $1 million to the University of Minnesota to fund the creation of a Department of Agriculture. The gift helped establish the university's reputation as a top research institution in the field of agriculture.