The Northwest Territory: Minnesota

Minnesota was explored by the French and British. It was primarily fur trading territory. Parts of Minnesota belonged to the Northwest, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin Territories at various times.

Fort Snelling, completed in 1826, was the first major US presence in the territory. The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul grew up around Fort Snelling during the 1850s. The Minnesota Territory was created in 1849 and statehood was granted in 1858.

Family connections: none

Read on: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Minnesota