1. In 1851, the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux was signed on December 1, ceding land from the Dakota people to the United States government. The treaty was controversial and led to conflict between the Dakota and settlers, culminating in the Dakota War of 1862.

2. On December 1, 1875, the Minnesota State Capitol building was completed after four years of construction. The building is a National Historic Landmark and serves as the seat of government for the state of Minnesota.

3. In 1917, 293 people were killed when a munitions plant in New Brighton exploded on December 1. The explosion was felt as far away as Iowa and caused extensive damage to nearby buildings and homes.

4. On December 1, 1955, the Interstate Highway System was authorized by Congress, which would have major impacts on transportation in Minnesota and across the country. Minnesota is home to over 200 miles of interstate highways.

5. In 1993, the Mall of America in Bloomington opened on December 1. At the time, it was the largest mall in the world and remains a popular tourist destination, attracting over 40 million visitors annually.