This week in state history

Historic Minnesota events with anniversaries this week.

April 11

1680 Father Louis Hennepin, exploring the Mississippi River north from Illinois by canoe, is captured by a group of Dakota. During his captivity he sees the Falls of St. Anthony, which he names for his patron saint. On July 25, Daniel Greysolon, the Sieur Du Luth, would arrange for Hennepin’s release.

April 12

1937 Dennis J. Banks is born on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. An activist for indigenous rights, he would be one of the founders of the American Indian Movement in 1968, along with Clyde and Vernon Bellecourt (White Ea...