

Anthony Falls spurred the growth of Minneapolis, and the innovative milling methods gave it the title of the "milling capital of the world". Railroads attracted immigrants, established the farm economy, and brought goods to market. After the chaos of the American Civil War and the Dakota War of 1862 ended, the state's economy grew when its timber and agriculture resources were developed. Minnesota's legal identity was created as the Minnesota Territory in 1849, and it became the 32nd U.S. They used Saint Anthony Falls to power sawmills in the area that became Minneapolis, while others settled downriver in the area that became Saint Paul. Fort Snelling, built to protect United States territorial interests, brought early settlers to the future state. Europeans moving west during the 19th century drove out most of the Native Americans. Fur traders from France arrived during the 17th century. They preceded the Anishinaabe, the Dakota, and other Native American inhabitants. The earliest known settlers followed herds of large game to the region during the last glacial period. Early economic growth was based on fur trading, logging, milling and farming, and later through railroads and iron mining. state of Minnesota is shaped by its original Native American residents, European exploration and settlement, and the emergence of industries made possible by the state's natural resources. For the quarterly journal of the same name, see Minnesota History (journal).įort Snelling played a pivotal role in Minnesota's history and in the development of nearby Minneapolis and Saint Paul
