| A short history of the Minnesota State flag | In 1858, Minnesota replaced Maine as being the most northerly state. Another idealized landscape, with the rising sun in the background, as an Indian rides past a farmer cultivating the prairie. The opposite side of the flag was plain blue. Minnesota adopted this as the state flag in April 1893. There were some slight alterations, such as the seal was reversed, and was surrounded by flowers, and ribbons. The ribbons had the dates of 1893 and 1819. In 1957 the flag changed, which consisted of both sides now blue, with the seal in the center, meaning the seal was turned around again. The moccasin runs around the seal and the 19 stars. The state name appears below the central disc. Today there are movements in favor of changing the flag yet again. |
| A short history of Minnesota (The North Star State * The Gopher State) | Minnesota was claimed by France, and divided between Britain and Spain in 1763. The British part was ceded in 1783, and the Spanish part became American by the Louisiana Purchase. In 1849 it was organized as a territory, and became a state on May 11, 1858. |
| Area of Minnesota | 84,402 sq. miles |
Capital | St. Paul |
| Major Products | Iron ore and other minerals, sugar beet, sweet corn, wheat, dairy products, mink, turkeys, cattle, wild rice, timber, machinery |
| State Motto | L'etoile du Nord ("Star of the North") |