FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-077

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (May 11, 2026) – This edition of Fun with Maps reminds us of the day Minnesota was officially brought into the union of these United States.

Ten Thousand Lakes

Minnesota became the 32nd state on May 11, 1858.

It boasts many smaller lakes, courtesy of the last ice age.  And with that come mosquitoes in the summer, some jokingly claim that they are the size of cows.

Nonetheless, the Dakotas inhabited these lands for over 3,000 years.  The largest European group making their way here were Scandinavians, who are accustomed to cold winters, and Germans. 

There is some debate on the meaning of the state’s name. It is from the Dakota language, and depending on the accent, it could mean “clear blue water” or “cloudy water.”  The locals tend to pick the former.

This map from 1863 by Johnson shows Minnesota and the portion of the Dakotas that was part of the Minnesota Territory before Minnesota’s statehood.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.