We’ve often passed the signs for the Hinckley Fire Museum while driving up north, but we’re embarrassed to admit we thought this institution involved a display of historical fire trucks. The museum is actually devoted to an 1894 catastrophe in which a wall of fire destroyed over four hundred square miles in and around Hinckley and killed 418 people. This was no natural disaster, however; humans caused this firestorm by denuding the landscape of trees and stacking them like so much kindling all around the town. It’s just one of many stories told in Minnesota: A History of the Land, an impressive four-part documentary that spans sixteen thousand years (that’s going back a couple of Ice Ages!). Relating tales of natural forces along with those of lumber barons, conservationists, tribal leaders, real-estate developers, and other land-shapers, A History of the Land recalls the projects from Ken Burns, equally sprawling and captivating, that air on public television every couple of years. It’s not just because both have used gorgeous, atmospheric music from our own Peter Ostroushko; this tribute to our state also combines stunning still images with reenactments, interviews, and animation to bring history to life. Beautiful, informative, and unforgettable, it offers a whole new view on “roadside attractions” that we’ll keep in mind on our next car trip.
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