12 Times The Entire Country Was Looking At Minnesota In Suspense And Awe

Minnesota has a long and fascinating history, and while most people don't take the time to explore the entire past of this state, there are many notable events that the rest of the county remembers. We found 12 of the most memorable MN moments that the rest of the county was watching. Check them out and help us fill in the timeline with the Minnesota moment you remember the most!

1. December 26, 1862 - The largest mass execution in US history took place in Mankato when 38 Sioux were hanged. President Lincoln ordered the hanging after the Sioux Uprising (a reaction to broken government promises).

A memorial was unveiled for the 38 hanged men in 2012.

2. Sep 7, 1876 - The James and Younger gang failed an attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield.

The town of Northfield still celebrates this victory annually with a reenactment of the botched robbery attempt.

3. 1887 - The first ski tournament in the Midwest is held in St. Paul.

4. 1898 - The controversial Kensington Runestone was discovered by Swedish immigrant Olof Ohman.

5. 1964-65 - In St. Cloud, temperatures set records with 69 consecutive days below zero. They would repeat this record in 1978-79.

6. 1969 - The first total hip replacement was performed at the Mayo Clinic.

7. Nov 20, 1979 - The first US artificial blood transfusion occurred at the University of Minnesota Hospital. The patient was a Jehovah's Witness, who had refused a transfusion of real blood because of his religious beliefs.

8. Aug 11, 1992 - The Mall of America (the biggest shopping mall in the country) opened in Bloomington.

9. February 2, 1996 - The coldest temperature in Minnesota history was recorded in Tower. -60F

10. Jul 1, 2005 - Minnesota's government shut down for the first time in state history. 8,900 state employees were furloughed and the shutdown lasted nine days. Of course, seven years later the process would repeat itself and the shutdown would be 11 days longer.

11. Aug 1, 2007 - The bridge on I-35W over the Mississippi River collapsed in Minneapolis at rush hour.

12. On May 14, 2012 - When Governor Mark Dayton signed the stadium legislation calling for a $975 million multi-purpose stadium to be located on the Metrodome site.

What do you think is Minnesota's most memorable moment? Write the date and what happened in the comments below!