The thirty-second state to join the Union is a leader in many ways, including volunteerism, voter turnout, health care, and education. This colorful book traces Minnesota’s history from the Paleo-Indians to the arrival of the French and later waves of Scandinavian immigrants. This book also highlights contemporary Minnesotans, including musicians, authors, and influential politicians, and digs into the exciting industries like agriculture, mining, retail, banking, and biomedical technology that drive the economy of the state.