| Census Bureau Report |
| Time Zone: Central |
| Capital: St. Paul |
| Statehood Date: 5/11/1858 |
| Statehood Order: 32 |
| Flower: Showy Lady Slipper |
| Bird: Common Loon |
| Land: 79617 Sq. Miles |
| Water: 7326 Sq. Miles |
| Rank In Area Size: 12 |
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| Minnesota got its nickname because there are more than 12,000 lakes throughout the state. Its name comes from the Dakota (Sioux) word for the Minnesota River's "sky-tinted waters." The Minnesota Territory was formed in 1849 from what had been part of the Northwest Territory. |
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