Why does Minnesota have 87 counties? It all started back in 1849, when the Minnesota Territory drew up just 9 oversized counties to cover the land. But as settlers moved in, towns grew, and railroads expanded, those counties got sliced and diced like hotdish at a potluck. Towns lobbied hard to become county seats (hello, economic boost!), and by the early 1900s, we landed on the 87 we know today - that number hasn’t changed since 1923. ✔️ Biggest by population? Hennepin. ✔️ Smallest? Cook. ✔️ Youngest? Lake of the Woods. #themoreyouknow #oneminutetours #MN #mnhistory