ST. PAUL, (AP) - A contingent of 90 Civil War buffs, elected officials and others from Minnesota is headed to Pennsylvania to help mark the 150th anniversary of the battle at Gettysburg.

Gov. Mark Dayton gave the group an early sendoff Tuesday while reflecting on his state's role in the Civil War.

The First Minnesota Infantry Regiment was deeply involved in that fight and suffered significant casualties.

Minnesota officials have been marking key points in history of the Civil War, which began in 1861 and ended in 1865.

The Minnesota History Center is midway through a six-month exhibit putting the state's presence in the war in context. The 5,000-square-foot exhibit includes letters, diaries and other testimonials from Minnesotans who lived during the war. The display runs through early September.

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