Minnesota marks role at Gettysburg

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ The 150th anniversary of the battle at Gettysburg is giving Minnesota leaders reason to reflect on their state's role in the Civil War.

Related: Gettysburg charge was long on courage, short on import

Gov. Mark Dayton, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and state Rep. Dean Urdahl were among those planning Tuesday to commemorate the key battle. The First Minnesota regiment was deeply involved in that fight and suffered significant casualties.

Minnesota officials have been marking key points in history of the Civil War, which began in 1861 and ended in 1865.

The Minnesota History Center is midway through a six-month exhibit putting the state's presence in the war in context. The 5,000-square-foot exhibit includes letters, diaries and other testimonials from Minnesotans who lived during the war. The display runs through early September.

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