Minnesota History

On this rare map, China is the center of the world
A rarely seen 400-year-old map that put China at the center of the world went on display Tuesday at the Library of Congress. It will eventually be housed at the University of Minnesota.
Remembering Pearl Harbor
On Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese warplanes attacked the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor, marking the entry of the United States into World War II. American RadioWorks Executive Producer Stephen Smith has listened to some audio recordings from those first days of war. He joins Midday to talk about what Americans heard back in 1941.
Schmidt Brewery to sell pristine spring water
Long before glaciers rolled through Minnesota, a massive pool of water circulated throughout the Twin Cities, and soon, residents will be able to line up at a well in St. Paul, and fill up their jugs with the water that experts say is about 30,000 years old.
Mondale's role in saving 'boat people' recalled, 30 years later
In the years following the end of the Vietnam War, thousands of Vietnamese risked the dangers of the South China Sea instead of facing communism. This year marks 30 years since then-Vice President Walter Mondale convinced world leaders to come to the rescue of more than 1 million "boat people" -- many of whom settled in Minnesota.
Longtime Minn. farmer dies of exposure, brother hospitalized
A 95-year-old man from northwestern Minnesota is hospitalized after he went out looking for his older brother who had wandered off. The brother later died.
Devastation of 1918 flu revealed through letters
Letters chronicling a failed attempt to stage patriotic singalongs late in World War I provide a window into the devastation of the 1918 Spanish Influenza outbreak in Minnesota.
Chicago mobster Al Capone's former hideout in northern Wisconsin, complete with guard towers and a stone house with 18-inch-thick walls, was sold for $2.6 million Thursday to the bank that foreclosed on it.
Development plans underway for area near Fort Snelling
A tract of land near the old Fort Snelling is getting attention after standing largely neglected for decades. There are some new efforts to preserve and redevelop the historic site.
25 years later, Ferraro reflects on groundbreaking nomination
Twenty-five years ago this Sunday, Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale made history when he announced he'd chosen Geraldine Ferraro, a woman, to be his running mate.
Centennial of Gov. Elmer L. Andersen's birth
June 17, 1909 is the birthday of one of Minnesota's most widely respected governors, Elmer L. Andersen. He was elected in 1960. Midday airs a September 2000 interview with Gov. Andersen about his book, "A Man's Reach."