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Minnesota holds its first territorial fair in Minneapolis. The Territorial Agricultural Society founded the governing body of the fair. The photo is of an advertisement for the fair in 1878. (Note: The day of the fair is an estimate.)
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Minnesota's first state fair is held in Minneapolis. Photo was taken in 1860. (Note: The day of the fair is an estimate.)
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Because of the social disruption of the Civil War, there is no state fair in 1861. In the wake of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, the state fair is cancelled.
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The Ramsey County Poor Farm donates 200 acres to be the new home of the fair. Photo taken 1870 to 1879 of the State Fair on the West Side. (Note: The day is an estimate.)
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After years of traveling State Fairs, the first Minnesota State Fair is held on its now-permanent site near St. Paul. Photo is of an art gallergy from 1890 to 1889 at the fair. (Note: The day is an estimate.)
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Theodore Roosevelt utters the famous line "Speak softly and carry a big stick" in a speech at the Minnesota State Fair on September 2. The photo is of Teddy Roosevelt at the State Fair.
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The Tilt-A-Whirl, invented and manufactured in Faribault, makes its debut at the Minnesota State Fair. Photo of carnival rides in 1928 at the State Fair.
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Pronto Pups are first served at the Minnesota State Fair. Photo of kitchen and food preparation.
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Eleanor Maley of Grand Meadow is named the first Princess Kay of the Milky Way. The tradition of sculpting the winners in butter, however, does not begin until 1965. Photo of the Midway during the night in 1955.
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The Children's Barnyard is created at the State Fair. Photo of an aerial view of the Fairgrounds in 1956.
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In 1966, Fairchild the gopher became the official mascot of the State Fair and was joined by his nephew, Fairborne, in 1983. Photo of the Midway in 1963.
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The Miracle of Birth Center was added at the State Fair.
