Today is Statehood Day in Minnesota, the first day in a weeklong celebration of the day Minnesota joined the United States of America, 150 years ago.

Minnesota enjoys a colorful history, sprinkled with people like Joe Rolette, the pioneer legislator who stole the bill that would have made St. Peter the state capital and hid out for until just before the Legislature adjourned, preserving St. Paul’s place as the head of government in Minnesota. We can also boast of Charles Lindbergh, one of the great aviators of the early 20th century, and Bronko Nagurski, who made the U of M Golden Gophers and later the Chicago Bears into national football powers.

Minnesota gave the world the Mayo Brothers, who founded their world-renowned clinic in Rochester. We have produced entertainers like Judy Garland, and Bob Dylan, and authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sinclair Lewis and, yes, Wanda Gag.