William Watts Folwell's authoritative A History of Minnesota in four volumes tells the story of the state from the arrival of European explorers in the seventeenth century to 1925. Originally published between 1921 and 1930, this invaluable account is available in a corrected reprint edition for both scholars and general readers of Minnesota history.
Volume I covers Minnesota's early development from the days of French exploration and trade with American Indians through territorial times to the event of statehood in 1857.
Volume II continues the story from 1858 to 1865, with emphasis on the state's participation in the Civil War and the Dakota Conflict (Sioux Uprising) of 1862.
Volume III completes the chronological record with a comprehensive picture of Minnesota Politics from 1865 to 1925.
Volume IV focuses on special topics such as iron mining, public education, the Ojibway (Chippewa), election procedures, and a dozen outstanding Minnesotans. It also contains a consolidated index to all four volumes.