Minnesota, the North Star State

"Minnesota, the North Star State" by William Watts Folwell is a detailed historical exploration of Minnesota, guiding readers from its origins under French control to its position as a U.S. state. The narrative unfolds by looking into the state's early days, with a focus on the Dakota name "Minnesota" and its importance. It follows the explorers who shaped the land and the interactions between settlers and Native American tribes. With layers of political history mixed with tales of exploration, this text creates a picture of the state's past and is for anyone curious about how Minnesota came to be.