Race is an unavoidable and complicated element of Minnesota history. How neighbors viewed each other, how the population was counted, and who was considered fully human; perspectives on these issues shaped and, in turn, were shaped by public policy. Often, businesses could profit by painting one group as lesser and one group as greater. Politicians could exploit cultural divides whenever it might suit their political needs. Individuals could have a great many reasons for personal biases. 

But bigotry was not the default. For generations, Minnesota had a unique and nebulous understanding of race. 

Race informed the social and political challenges of early Minnesota, from enfranchisement of mixed blood voters to the enforcement of fugitive slave laws. This chapter explores the stories of individuals like Dred Scott and George Bonga, as well as broader events like the State Constitutional Convention and the economic panic of 1857.

Sam Temple and Logan Ledman discuss and explain Chapter Nine of North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd.

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