1. Minnesota became a state on January 1, 1858, making it the 32nd state to be admitted to the Union. Prior to this, it had been a territory since 1849.

2. On January 1, 1900, the University of Minnesota's first football team played their final game of the season against the University of Nebraska, winning 20-12. This marked the beginning of a long tradition of football at the university.

3. On January 1, 1913, the temperature in Tower, Minnesota dropped to -60 degrees Fahrenheit, the lowest temperature ever recorded in the state. This occurred during the coldest winter on record in Minnesota, which saw temperatures drop below zero for 37 straight days.

4. In 1967, Minneapolis hosted its first indoor pro football game on January 1, when the Minnesota Vikings played the Chicago Bears in the first playoff game at the newly built Metropolitan Stadium. The Vikings won 28-10.

5. On January 1, 1974, the Minnesota Twins traded designated hitter Tony Oliva to the Texas Rangers for outfielder Brant Alyea and pitcher Bill Singer. Oliva had played his entire career with the Twins up until that point, and was a six-time All-Star and three-time batting champion.