History

Fort Snelling: Gun powder, fuses and the boom of a cannon
When Fort Snelling was an actual workaday fort, soldiers never fired the cannon in battle. But these days, soldiers fire the old gun all the time. In this audio feature, you can hear how reenactors use period equipment to set off a big boom.
While most Irish immigrants in the U.S. came to large cities, in Minnesota Archbishop John Ireland encouraged them to create rural settlements. Historian Annette Atkins discusses the unusual way that Irish immigrants settled in Minnesota. She joined Cathy Wurzer to talk about all things Irish.
All the news from Northern Minnesota
A cellphone tower in the boundary waters sparks a lawsuit, nurses picket in Duluth and the Splitrock lighthouse turns 100. Bob Kelleher joins Cathy Wurzer to discuss all the news from Northern Minnesota.
Duluth prepares for tall ships festival
The city of Duluth is preparing for big crowds this week as nine tall ships from across North America and Europe sail into the harbor, bringing a piece of sailing history to the Twin Ports.
New novel could make David Mitchell a household name in the US
While he's hugely popular around the world, British novelist David Mitchell is still somewhat of a cult figure in the U.S. His new novel, "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet," may well change that.
63rd Anniversary of the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe
Tomorrow marks the 63rd anniversary of a speech given by former U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall calling for American assistance in rebuilding Europe after World War II. Marshall went on to craft the Marshall Plan and became an eminent figure in 20th century history. Historian, author and University of Vermont Professor Mark Stoler spoke earlier this year about Marshall and his illustrious career at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul.
Remembering the heyday of the Soo Line
Winton Forsberg started working for the Soo Line in 1953. In this 1973 interview with Hugh Morgan, the station agent reminisces about the days of carrying passengers and connecting with people.