This week in state history

Historic Minnesota events with anniversaries this week.

July 11

1999 Duluth’s state representative Willard Munger dies of liver cancer at age 88. He had served in the Minnesota House since 1955 and was known as Mr. Environment for his reputation as a pioneer, leader and activist in environmental legislation. The Willard Munger State Trail, which runs through Carlton County, is named in his honor.

July 12

1829 Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Taylor ends his command at Fort Snelling, which had begun May 24, 1828. He would later lead the U.S. Army in the war against Mexico, and “Old Rough and Ready” w...