A Popular History of Minnesota

What do Paul Bunyan, Charles Lindbergh, and Jesse Ventura have in common? Minnesota, of course. In A Popular History of Minnesota, historian Norman K. Risjord offers a grand tour of the state's remarkable history, taking readers through the centuries and into the lives of those colorful characters who populate Minnesota's past.

This highly readable volume details everything from the glacial formation of the land to the arrival of the Dakota and the Ojibwe people, from Minnesota's contributions to the Northern cause during the Civil War to the key players in reform politics who helped sculpt the identity the state retains today. Readers will find both large and small stories of the state: the natural resources of north woods, iron ranges, and water power; luminous figures like Oliver H. Kelley, founder of the national Grange movement, Hubert H. Humphrey, champion of civil rights, and Betty Crocker, aid to homemakers everywhere. Lively side trips outline noteworthy subjects, from the discovery of the Kensington runestone to the rise of the Mayo Clinic. Handy travelers' guides highlight historic destinations for readers who enjoy seeing where history happened.

Fast-paced and informative, with generous illustrations, A Popular History of Minnesota is a must-read for newcomers and long-time Minnesotans alike.