Minnesota Constitution Article II. Name and boundaries
Minnesota Constitution – Article II: Name and Boundaries
Overview:
Article II of the Minnesota Constitution is very brief and straightforward. It officially defines the name of the state and outlines its geographical boundaries.
🔹 Full Text of Article II:
Section 1.
The state of Minnesota shall consist of and have jurisdiction over the territory embraced in the following boundaries, to wit:
Beginning at the point in the center of the main channel of the Red River of the North where the southern boundary of the State of North Dakota crosses the same; thence down the center of the main channel of said river to a point where the 97th meridian of west longitude crosses the same; thence south along the said meridian to the north line of the State of Iowa; thence east along the northern boundary of the State of Iowa to the main channel of the Mississippi River; thence down the center of the main channel of said river to the mouth of the St. Croix River; thence up the center of the main channel of the St. Croix River to the first rapids in the same, above the mouth of the Rum River; thence due north to the northern boundary line of the United States; thence west along the said boundary line to the northwestern corner of the Lake of the Woods; thence down the middle of the main channel of the Rainy River to the center of the main channel of the Red River of the North, and thence up the center of the main channel of said river to the place of beginning.
🔸 Key Takeaways:
The article defines Minnesota’s borders based on natural landmarks such as rivers (e.g., the Mississippi, St. Croix, Rainy River, Red River of the North).
It also reaffirms Minnesota's jurisdiction over the territory within these bounds.
These boundaries have been largely stable since statehood in 1858.
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