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Mankato, Minnesota

Located in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, Mankato was established in 1852. The largest mass execution in U.S. history — 38 Dakota men hanged here in 1862. Lincoln commuted 265 of the 303 death sentences.
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Founded 1852 | Population 44,000 | Peak 44,000 (2024) | County Blue Earth County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Mankato, Minnesota

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1852Founded: Minnesota River.
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1862Mass Execution: Largest mass execution in U.S. history — 38 Dakota men.
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1862Higher Education: Educational institutions helped define Mankato's character and economy.
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2010Modern Era: Mankato continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in Mankato

Feb 20, 2026
Ilhan Omar Sparks Outrage After Her Links To The Minnesota Fraud Scheme Are Revealed
While prosecutors have not accused Omar herself of any criminal wrongdoing…

Complete Historical Timeline

1852 Culture
Founded
1862 Disaster
Mass Execution
1862 Culture
Higher Education
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
The largest mass execution in U.S. history — 38 Dakota men hanged here in 1862.
2
Lincoln commuted 265 of the 303 death sentences.
3
Minnesota State University Mankato is a major institution.
4
Mankato is located in Blue Earth County, Minnesota.
5
Mankato was founded in 1852.

Famous People from Mankato, Minnesota

RJ
Ron Johnson
Businessperson, Politician · Born Apr 8, 1955 · Age 70
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Mike Lindell
Writer, Entrepreneur · Born Jun 28, 1961 · Age 64
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Jimmy Chin
Photographer, Film Director · Born Oct 12, 1973 · Age 52
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John Landsteiner
Engineer, Curler · Born May 19, 1990 · Age 35
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Myrtle Lind
Actor, Film Actor · Born Sep 2, 1898 · Died Dec 9, 1966 (age 68)
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