The "North Star" state is bounded on the east by Wisconsin and Lake Superior, on the north by Canada and the south by Iowa. Minnesota stands in the moist Great Lakes Storm belt, with a hilly lake region covering half the state and plains in the west and south. Minnesota's principle industries are agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism. The French first opened the area in the 17th century and in 1763, the British took control of the area east of the Mississippi river. After the revolutionary war, that area was ceded to the United States and in 1803 the western portion of the state was bought in the Louisiana Purchase. Minnesota became the 32nd state of the union on May 11, 1858. Attractions include Minnehaha Falls, over 10,000 lakes, 64 state parks, 20 historical sites and the famous St. Paul Winter Carnival. Famous Minnesotans include: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hubert Humphrey, Sinclair Lewis, E.G. Marshall, Walter F. Mondale, Charles Schulz and Harold Stassen. @
