Henry Hastings Sibley was an American politician and military officer born on February 20, 1811, in New York. He is best known for serving as the first governor of the Minnesota Territory from 1849 to 1853. Sibley played a significant role in the early development of the region, promoting settlement and infrastructure. In addition to his political career, Sibley was a veteran of the Mexican-American War and served as a colonel during the American Civil War. He was also involved in various business ventures, including fur trading, which contributed to the economic growth of Minnesota. Sibley passed away on February 18, 1891.