This Day in Minnesota History

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Today's Date: April 30

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1803

The Louisiana Purchase is signed, transferring to the United States territory that includes present-day Minnesota west of the Mississippi River.
1853

Troops from the U.S. Sixth Infantry begin constructing Fort Ridgely, having arrived from Fort Snelling on the steamer West Newton the previous evening. The fort is built near the Dakota reservation in the Minnesota River valley and would be a focal point during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis names the fort for three Ridgelys who were killed in the Mexican War.
1901

Charles Joy makes the first automobile ascent of St. Paul's Selby Hill, at a speed of eight to ten miles per hour.
1961

In his first home run for the Minnesota Twins baseball team, Harmon Killebrew hits the ball 467 feet.
1967

Nine tornadoes strike southern Minnesota, particularly the towns of Waseca, Owatonna, and Albert Lea, killing thirteen people.