Moving to Minnesota - Minneapolis, St. Paul, Andover, Highland
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Minnesota,
located close to the center of the North American continent, contains
the northernmost point in the continental United States, the Northwest
Angle. Much of the boundary of Minnesota is outlined by natural waterways.
A large portion of the north and northeast is separated from Manitoba
and Ontario by Lake of the Woods, Rainy River, Pigeon River, Lake Superior,
and numerous other lakes that stretch in an almost unbroken chain. Lake
Superior and the Saint Croix and Mississippi rivers mark most of its eastern
boundary with Wisconsin; to the west, the Red River of the North and Big
Stone and Traverse lakes separate Minnesota from the Dakotas. The state
is bordered by Iowa to the south.
It has been said that Minnesota's way of life seems permanently positioned
in the middle of the American dream. This dream drew many immigrants to
the state, bending people to the plow with the promise of a life of plenty,
peace, and dignity in return for their honest labor. Minnesota received
its name from the largest river that lies wholly within its boundaries;
the Sioux called the river the Minnesota, meaning "clouded water," because
of the light-colored clay it carried in suspension.
LAND AND RESOURCES
More than two-thirds of Minnesota is nearly flat or gently rolling, with
a mean elevation of 366 m (1,200 ft) above sea level. This central region
is surrounded by areas of dissimilar topography. In the northeast, both
the lowest and highest points in Minnesota are found in Arrowhead Country,
which is named for its triangular shape. This area is structurally part
of the Canadian Shield, underlaid with granite, gneiss, and schist. The
flat prairies of the northwest and west, now the eastern plain of the
Red River of the North, were once part of the ancient Lake Agassiz basin
and overlie limestone and shale. To the southeast the Driftless Area is
marked by incised streams and cross-cutting valleys. The state's eastern
boundaries exhibit remnants of ancient volcanic activity.
During the Pleistocene Epoch, all but the southeastern corner of the state
was subjected to the action of four major glaciers. The last advance is
largely responsible for the present physical landscape. Central Minnesota
has the state's most complete pattern of moraines and accompanying outwash
sediments.
Soils
The prairie soils of the southern part of the state and the chernozems
of western Minnesota are the most fertile. The northeast corner of the
state is dominated by lithosols that have developed over resistant rock
formations. Much of this area is forested and unsuitable for cultivation.
Most of northern Minnesota's soils are podzols that developed under forest
vegetation in a cool, humid climate.
Drainage
Three major drainage basins are found within Minnesota. Only 9% of the
state is drained by flowing eastward streams into Lake Superior. The Red,
Rainy, and other northerly flowing rivers drain 34%, and the Mississippi
River system, 57%. The Mississippi begins its 3,779-km (2,348-mi) course
to the Gulf of Mexico at Lake Itasca in Itasca State Park.
Minnesota's automobile license plates claim the state is the "Land of
10,000 Lakes." Lake basins with areas of 4 ha (10 acres) or more actually
number 15,291. Within the state are about 40,200 km (25,000 mi) of streams
and approximately 145,000 km (90,000 mi) of lake and river shoreline.
Climate
A humid continental climate dominates the state, but considerable variation
occurs within its borders. Minnesota is susceptible to outbreaks of cold
polar air from the north as well as occasional warm moist air from the
Gulf of Mexico. The January mean temperature ranges from -17 degrees C
(1 degrees F) in the northwest to -9 degrees C (16 degrees F) in the southeast.
July mean temperatures vary between 15 degrees C (59 degrees F) in the
northeast and 23 degrees C (74 degrees F) in the southwest. Precipitation
amounts of 813 mm (32 in) in the extreme southeast decrease to 483 mm
(19 in) in the northwestern corner. Although snow and rain are equally
common in Minnesota, most of the precipitation falls as rain, averaging
635 mm (25 in) yearly. The average annual snowfall of 1,143 mm (45 in)
would equal 114 mm (4.5 in) of liquid.
Vegetation and Animal Life
Minnesota is located in a transition zone for vegetation. The natural
vegetation of the south and west was once extensive grasslands. Approximately
40% of the state was covered with prairie grass with gallery forests lining
the watercourses and the edges of lakes. Forested areas of the state were
of two major types: in the east central and northern parts lay forests
of spruce, balsam, and pines, whereas between the grasslands and the coniferous
northern woods grew hardwood forests.
Minnesota is famous for its hunting and fishing opportunities, retaining
more than 20% of its area for public hunting grounds and wetlands. In
the remote northern areas moose are seen, while deer and smaller wild
animals can be found throughout the state. More than 140 fish species
have been sighted in Minnesota's extensive waters, and fishing is a very
popular sport. Some commercial fishing also takes place.
PEOPLE
Since the 1950s, Minnesota has grown at a slower rate than the nation
as a whole, but among the 12 states that make up the U.S. Midwest region,
Minnesota is the fastest-growing state. The state has less than 2% of
the total U.S. population. The heaviest population concentration is found
in the southeastern part of the state near Minneapolis and Saint Paul,
but other major concentrations are found in Duluth, Rochester, and Bloomington--all
with populations exceeding 50,000.
Minnesota's birthrate is about the same as the U.S. average, but its death
rate is lower than the average. The state ranks second to Hawaii in the
estimated life expectancy of its population.
The major nationality groups in Minnesota reflect the predominantly European
background of the population. Other than the Indian, the Yankee, and Canadian
groups, the origins of most Minnesotans can be traced directly to European
countries. Sweden, Norway, and Germany have been the dominant sources
of immigrants. Racial minorities form a small part of the total population.
Education
In 1849 the territorial legislature enacted the first law pertaining to
education. Common schools were to be open to all persons between the ages
of 4 and 21 years; townships were to be divided into school districts
when the district contained more than five families. To support the schools,
the law prescribed a general sales tax supplemented by a portion of funds
collected from licenses and fines. In 1851 only three schools, privately
operated, existed in Minnesota, with an enrollment of 250 children. Today,
the state Board of Education, appointed by the governor with approval
of the Senate, directs the Department of Education. Children must attend
school from age 7 to age 16. Minnesotans are well educated, with one of
the lowest high school-dropout rates in the nation. Institutions of higher
education range from the large University of Minnesota (see Minnesota,
state universities of) to smaller private institutions such as Carleton
College, St. Olaf College, and Macalester College.
Cultural Institutions
Contributions to the nation's culture have been made by many noted Minnesotans.
Sinclair Lewis, born in Sauk Centre, used his hometown as a model for
his famous novel, Main Street. The novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald was also
a native.
The Minneapolis-Saint Paul area is the home of the Minneapolis Institute
of Arts, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Walker Art Center. The
Ordway Music Theatre and the Guthrie Theatre provide entertainment in
the performing arts, and the Minnesota symphony orchestra is world renowned.
The metropolitan area of Minneapolis and Saint Paul dominates the news
media in the state.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Any description of Minnesota solely in terms of topographical features
would be sadly wanting--the state is far from simply a wilderness or vacation
haven. It is highly industrialized, with many giant business enterprises
operating within its borders. Manufacturing and service sectors have displaced
farming as the major source of income, with service industries now representing
more than 70% of the gross state product.
Agriculture
Minnesota is among the leading U.S. farm states, ranking among the top
ten states in total farm cash receipts. It is a leading U.S. state in
the production of hay, oats, corn, sugar beets, flaxseed, spring wheat,
sunflower seed, soybeans, and rye, as well as a leading producer of milk,
cheese, and butter. Cattle, hogs, and turkey are also important commodities.
Major farm areas are in the south, southwest, and the Red River Valley.
Forestry
About one-third of Minnesota's total land area is forest, and the forestry
industry is important. Because more than half of Minnesota's commercial
forestland is publically owned, the state is able to determine harvesting
patterns.
Mining
Minnesota is the nation's primary source for domestic iron ore and low-grade
taconite. Because the ore deposits are exposed or near the ground surface,
the open-pit mining method is utilized. The Mesabi Range supplies two-thirds
of domestic ore. Production shifted from natural ore to the lower grade
taconite (rock containing 20-30% iron) in the 1950s as deposits of the
richer ore were depleted. Limestone, another mining product of the state,
is found along the banks of the Mississippi and its tributaries.
The finest granite in the state is quarried near St. Cloud, while other
deposits are found in the Minnesota Valley. The two regions produce different
types of stone. All types are used for building blocks, but the St. Cloud
granite also is used for monuments. Sand and gravel are also produced
in the state. Mining, once a leader in the state's economy, now accounts
for less than 1% of the gross state product.
Manufacturing and Services
Minnesota's leading manufactures are computers, industrial machinery,
printing, publishing, forestry products, and food processing. Service
companies such as insurance and financial institutions are important employers
in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. In addition, the University of Minnesota
at Minneapolis and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester have propelled Minnesota
into a leading role in the areas of health care, chemical-dependency treatment,
and the production of surgical instruments. The nation's largest shopping
center opened in Bloomington, Minn., in 1992. A retail/family-entertainment
complex, the Mall of America drew more than 40 million visitors during
its first year.
Tourism
Lured by lakes, rivers, and forests, several million tourists vacation
each year in Minnesota. Canoeing and boating are popular summer activities.
Trails for hiking and, in winter, for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing
wind through the many state parks and recreation areas. National parklands
include Voyageurs National Park, the only water-based national park; Grand
Portage National Monument on Lake Superior; and Pipestone National Monument
in southwestern Minnesota. Other attractions are the Boundary Waters canoe
area, statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe at Brainerd and Bemidji, and the
St. Paul Winter Carnival. Minnesota also supports professional baseball,
football, and basketball teams.
Transportation
Following the U.S. Civil War, an extensive railroad network developed
in Minnesota, and today the state is served by several rail lines, including
Amtrak, on more than 8,047 km (5,000 mi) of active track. Several ports
on Lake Superior and on the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers are an important
part of the transportation network. Depending on the observer's perspective,
Duluth is the beginning--or the end--of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The westerly
tip of Lake Superior lies 2,156 km (1,340 mi) from Montreal. The state's
major airport is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
Energy
Within Minnesota, substantial variation exists in the types of fuel used
for home heating. Much of the natural gas consumed is produced in Canada.
Hydroelectric plants are located on the Minnesota, Mississippi, Rainy,
St. Croix, and St. Louis rivers. The state also has nuclear power plants
at Monticello and Prairie Island.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Minnesota is governed under its original (1858) constitution, as amended.
Six officials--the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state,
auditor, treasurer, and attorney general--are elected to the executive
branch for 4-year terms. The bicameral state legislature consists of 67
senators elected for 4-year terms and 134 representatives with 2-year
terms. The legislature meets in the State Capitol during odd-numbered
years for a 120-day session.
The state's judicial system is headed by the Supreme Court, composed of
7 judges. The state also has a court of appeals and district, county,
and municipal courts.
The greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul area is under the supervision of the
Metropolitan Council, extending over a multicounty region. Public services
such as water and sewage are coordinated by the Council. Emigration from
the center does not erode the tax base of the major city because monies
are pooled for public works projects.
Although strongly Republican at the time of statehood (1858), Minnesota
developed potent Populist traditions in the later 19th century. The Grange
movement, the Populist party, and the Nonpartisan League all attracted
substantial support in Minnesota. The Farmer-Labor party, founded in 1920,
became a major political force in the state. It sent two senators to Washington
and elected Floyd B. Olson as governor three times (1930, 1932, 1934).
In 1944 this party merged with the Democrats to form the Democratic-Farmer-Labor
party. U.S. vice-presidents Hubert H. Humphrey and Walter F. Mondale are
among the political leaders produced by the DFL. Other nationally known
politicians from Minnesota include Harold Stassen, three times Republican
governor of the state (1939-43), Orville L. Freeman, DFL governor (1955-61)
and U.S. secretary of agriculture (1961-69), and Eugene McCarthy, a U.S.
senator (1959-71) and anti-Vietnam War candidate for the Democratic presidential
nomination in 1968. Today party allegiances in Minnesota tend to be split
between agricultural and big-business Republicans and urban and blue-collar
Democrats, operating under the DFL standard.
HISTORY
Whether a French or Viking explorer first entered the Minnesota area is
debatable. The Kensington Rune Stone, discovered near Alexandria in 1898,
purports to record the visit of Vikings in 1362. Continuous recorded history,
however, indicates that those who opened the territory included the Frenchmen
Samuel de Champlain; Daniel Greysolon, Sieur Duluth; Louis Hennepin; Robert
Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle; Jean Nicolet; Pierre Esprit Radisson; and
Medard Chouart, Sieur des Groseilliers.
Through their efforts the great northern wilderness was claimed as part
of the French Empire in North America. When France yielded its North American
territories to Great Britain by the 1763 Treaty of Paris, the Union Jack
replaced the French tricolor in the territory east of the Mississippi.
After the American Revolution the area became a part of the United States.
The territory west of the Mississippi, previously under the sovereignty
of Spain, came to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
Settlement of the territory began with the building in 1819 of Fort Anthony,
renamed Fort Snelling in 1825. The fort, located at the junction of the
Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, served as a military center and base
for western exploration. The first white people to make permanent homes
in Minnesota were farmers who lived in and around the fort. Many were
French-Canadian voyageurs, carried west by their work in the fur trade.
A few men and women had come from the east as traders, missionaries, or
soldiers. Also present were a handful of Europeans--mostly Swiss and Scottish--who
had fled the dangers and hardships of life in the Selkirk Colony Red River
Settlement to the north. When lands of the Sioux and Chippewa were placed
on sale, many families from the eastern United States settled, along with
French Canadians. Germans, Swedes, and Norwegians arrived following the
establishment of a land office in Saint Croix Falls in 1848.
On Mar. 3, 1849, the Territory of Minnesota was created. Its northern,
eastern, and southern boundaries were the same as those of today, but
its western limits extended to the Missouri and White Earth rivers--encompassing
most of present-day North Dakota. During the 1850s, Indians relinquished
their claims to areas within the territory, and in 1858, Minnesota was
admitted to the Union.
The state experienced no fighting within its borders during the Civil
War, but Minnesota did contribute soldiers to the Union effort. During
1862 a Sioux uprising in the state was brought about by a lack of food
and money for the reservation inhabitants. (The funds and supplies had
been diverted to the war effort.) A confrontation took place between four
Sioux and some white settlers that resulted in the death of five whites.
Apprehension among the Sioux brought about their arming for war. More
than 400 settlers were killed by the Sioux within a few days. After the
Sioux were captured, 306 were sentenced to death and 18 to prison terms.
President Lincoln intervened and commuted the death sentences of all but
39 prisoners, thus incurring the resentment of the settlers.
The state's economy was centered on wheat farming, milling, and lumbering.
Beginning in the 1880s, however, the exploitation of iron ore became significant.
In 1884 the first shipment of ore was made from the Vermilion Range, followed
in 1892 by extraction from the Mesabi Range. Steel production at the U.S.
Steel Corporation plant in Duluth began in 1915. Twentieth-century agriculture
in Minnesota has moved from a concentration on wheat growing to dairying,
with stress placed on the manufacture of butter and cheese. Flour milling
has been in decline.
The opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 made Duluth a world port,
enabling the state's products to be shipped easily. Greater industrial
development, however, has created environmental concerns. In the early
1980s, Minnesota was hurt economically by a slump in farm prices but was
less affected by the national recession of the early 1990s. The state
was much affected, however, by the 1993 flooding of the Mississippi River
and its tributaries, which caused damage to farm crops estimated at $2.5
billion. Nearly half of Minnesota's counties were declared eligible for
disaster relief. The 1990 census revealed increases in Minnesota's black
and Indian populations.
Reviewed by Lawrence C. Anderson
Bibliography: Blegen, Theodore C., Minnesota: A History of the State,
2d ed. (1975); Borchert, John R., and Yeager, Donald P., Atlas of Minnesota
Resources and Settlement, rev. ed. (1969); Bray, Edmund C., Billions of
Years in Minnesota, 2d ed. (1985); Chrislock, Carl H., The Progressive
Era in Minnesota, 1899-1918 (1971); Clark, C. E., Jr., ed., Minnesota
in a Century of Change: The State and Its People (1989); Federal Writers'
Project, Minnesota: A State Guide, rev. ed. (1954); Folwell, William W.,
A History of Minnesota, 4 vols., rev. ed. (1956-69); Holmquist, June D.,
ed., They Chose Minnesota: A Survey of the State's Ethnic Groups (1981;
repr. 1988); Jarchow, Merrill E., The Earth Brought Forth: A History of
Minnesota Agriculture to 1885 (1949; repr. 1970); Johnson, Elden, Prehistoric
Peoples of Minnesota (1969; rev. ed., 1988); Johnston, Patricia C., Minnesota:
Portrait of the Land and Its People (1987); Lass, William E., Minnesota:
A History (1977); Minnesota, Secretary of State, The Legislative Manual
of the State of Minnesota (biennial); Mitau, G. Theodore, Politics in
Minnesota, 2d ed. (1970); Nelson, Lowry, Minnesota Community (1960); Rachleff,
P., Hard-Pressed in the Heartland: The Hormel Strike and the Future of
the Labor Movement (1992); Schwartz, G. M., and Thiel, G. A., Minnesota's
Rocks and Waters (1963); Shepard, John G., Minnesota Backroads (1990);
Valelly, Richard M., Radicalism in the States: The Minnesota Farmer-Labor
Party and the American Political Economy (1989); Waters, Thomas F., The
Streams and Rivers of Minnesota (1977).
(c) 1996 Grolier, Inc.
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