Minnesota's "French connection"

This year marks the 350th anniversary of the French presence in Minnesota, so it's the perfect time to reflect on the state's French roots and the continuing appreciation of all things French. The subtle reminders of this heritage echo throughout the state as French place names like Duluth, Faribault, Hennepin and Nicollet. Even our state motto is French: Étoile du Nord -- Star of the North.

[Norwegians and Swedes] are relative newcomers. About 200 years before Scandinavian immigrants started coming here, French voyageurs, explorers and missionaries entered Minnesota.... By 1685 Robert Cavalier, Sieur de LaSalle, claimed the entire area west of the Mississippi for King Louis XIV, the Sun King. In his honor they named it Louisiana. It became U.S. property in 1803 when President Thomas Jefferson bought it from Napoleon, and before too long the Norwegians and Swedes entered the picture.

More at the StarTribune.  Photo of re-enactors by Stormi Greener.