1. 1858 - Minnesota is officially recognized as a U.S. state on May 11, 1858, marking an important milestone in the state's history. The Minnesota Territory had been established just nine years earlier, and statehood was achieved after a lengthy process that involved political negotiations and compromises.

2. 1910 - On May 11, 1910, the University of Minnesota established the first school of dentistry in the region. Today, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is one of the top dental schools in the country and a leader in dental education and research.

3. 1949 - On May 11, 1949, Minnesota governor Luther Youngdahl signed the Public Accommodations Act, which prohibited discrimination in public accommodations based on race, religion, or national origin. This was an important step in the civil rights movement, and Minnesota was one of the first states in the U.S. to pass such a law.

4. 1968 - The Minnesota Vikings chose Ron Yary as the first overall pick in the 1968 NFL draft on May 11, 1968. Yary went on to become one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

5. 1995 - On May 11, 1995, the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, completed an expansion that made it the largest shopping mall in the world. Today, the Mall of America is a major tourist attraction, featuring over 500 stores, a theme park, an aquarium, and numerous other attractions.