Historic Minnesota events that took place July 26-Aug. 1.

July 27

1972 Kidnappers abduct Virginia Piper, wife of investment banker Harry C. Piper, Jr., from her home. The Minneapolis woman is released near Duluth after a ransom of one million dollars is paid, at the time the highest such payment ever made.

July 29

1927 Beardsley sets a state record for high temperature: 114 degrees. Moorhead would equal it on July 6, 1936.

July 30

1805 Lieutenant Zebulon M. Pike receives orders to...