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Timelines

Learn about Minnesota history using the Minnesota Digital Library’s interactive timelines. Each timeline features images, documents, maps, and more from key moments in the past. These primary and secondary sources come from MDL’s contributors from all over the state.

Minnesota State Capitol building

Architectural Styles

An architectural style is a set of characteristics that shape how a building or other structure looks. This timeline features many of the popular styles found in Minnesota over the years with examples from MDL collections.

Oil painting of a dam across a river

Arts and Crafts in MDL

Art is a timeless human pursuit. Explore this timeline to see several examples of artwork in the collections of the Minnesota Digital Library – including portraits, religious paintings, sculptures, weavings, costume designs, prints, and more.

Old Main on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis, 1902

Colleges and Universities in Minnesota

Minnesota has nearly 200 public and private colleges and universities. Many of them have contributed archival collections to the Minnesota Digital Library (MDL). Explore this timeline to trace the founding and history of these MDL contributors.

Map of Duluth, c. 1856

Duluth History Timeline

This timeline traces the history of Duluth, Minnesota using images, documents, and maps from the Minnesota Digital Library.

Illustrated Historical Atlas of Minnesota

Minnesota History Part 1

Learn how local history connects with major events and eras. Part 1 of this timeline explores significant moments in the history and development of Minnesota from prehistory to 1900.

Minnesota Road Map 1920

Minnesota History Part 2

Learn how local history connects with major events and eras. Part 2 of this timeline explores significant moments in the history and development of Minnesota from 1900 to 2020.