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History of North Dakota, USA
Journey back in time to North Dakota, USA
Visit North Dakota, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.




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When Dakota Territory was created in 1861 it was named for the Dakota Indian tribe. Dakota is a Sioux word meaning friends or allies.
President Theodore Roosevelt first came to Dakota Territory in September 1883 to hunt bison. Before returning home to New York, he became interested in the cattle business and established the Maltese Cross Ranch and the Elkhorn Ranch.
This name Roughrider State originated in a state-supported tourism promotion of the 1960s and 70s. It refers to the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry that Theodore Roosevelt organized to fight in the Spanish-American War.
North Dakota grows more sunflowers than any other state.
50states.com
There is MUCH more to discover about North Dakota, USA. Read on!
North Dakota Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover North Dakota: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1713 - France gives England northern North Dakota
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www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1804 - Lewis and Clark arrived, built Fort Mandan (ND)
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www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1851 - Permanent agricultural settlement established at Pembina (ND)
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www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1863 - Dakota Territory opened for homesteading
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1876 - Custer defeated at Little Big Horn River
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www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1879 - Great Dakota land boom began
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1889 - North Dakota became 39th state
1895 - North Dakota
North Dako'ta, a northwestern state of the American Union, bounded N., by Manitoba, a province of the Dominion of Canada, E. by Minnesota, S. by South Dakota, and W. by Montana. Its northern limit is 49° N. lat.; its eastern boundary is the navigable Red River of the North; the seventh standard parallel separates it from South Dakota, and the meridian 104° W, lon. defines its western limit. It extends about 340 miles E. and W., and about 225 miles N. and S. Area, 70,795 square miles...
Population.—The population in 1880 for the corresponding part of Dakota Territory was 36,909. The total population for the state in 1890 was 182,719, an increase of 395.05 per cent.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
North Dako'ta, a northwestern state of the American Union, bounded N., by Manitoba, a province of the Dominion of Canada, E. by Minnesota, S. by South Dakota, and W. by Montana. Its northern limit is 49° N. lat.; its eastern boundary is the navigable Red River of the North; the seventh standard parallel separates it from South Dakota, and the meridian 104° W, lon. defines its western limit. It extends about 340 miles E. and W., and about 225 miles N. and S. Area, 70,795 square miles...
Population.—The population in 1880 for the corresponding part of Dakota Territory was 36,909. The total population for the state in 1890 was 182,719, an increase of 395.05 per cent.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1918 - Influenza epidemic killed 2,700 in North Dakota
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www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1929 - Severe drought began in North Dakota, lasted nearly eight years
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www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
February 15, 1936 - The temperature at Parshall ND plunged to 60 degrees below zero to establish a state record.
WeatherForYou.com
February 15, 1936
WeatherForYou.com
February 15, 1936
July 6, 1936 - The temperature at Steele ND hit 121 degrees, a state record.
WeatherForYou.com
July 6, 1936
WeatherForYou.com
July 6, 1936
1938 - First hard-surfaced highway completed across state of North Dakota
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www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1960 - Garrison Dam (ND) completed; Lake Sakakawea formed
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www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1966 - Worst blizzard in North Dakota state history occurred
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www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1968 - First recorded earthquake in state recorded near Ashley (ND)
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www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
2023 - North Dakota has something to offer. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Peace Garden State:
1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park:
Start your North Dakota adventure at this national park named after the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. It's divided into three units: North, South, and Elkhorn Ranch. Explore the rugged Badlands terrain, spot bison, wild horses, and take in stunning scenic views.
2. Medora:
This charming Western-themed town is the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Enjoy the nightly Medora Musical, visit the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, and explore the shops and restaurants that capture the essence of the Old West.
3. Fargo:
Discover the largest city in North Dakota, known for its vibrant arts scene and friendly community. Explore the Fargo-Moorhead Cultural District, visit the Fargo Air Museum, and take a stroll through the historic downtown area.
4. Bismarck:
The state capital offers a mix of history and modern amenities. Visit the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, explore the State Capitol... Read MORE...
1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park:
Start your North Dakota adventure at this national park named after the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. It's divided into three units: North, South, and Elkhorn Ranch. Explore the rugged Badlands terrain, spot bison, wild horses, and take in stunning scenic views.
2. Medora:
This charming Western-themed town is the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Enjoy the nightly Medora Musical, visit the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, and explore the shops and restaurants that capture the essence of the Old West.
3. Fargo:
Discover the largest city in North Dakota, known for its vibrant arts scene and friendly community. Explore the Fargo-Moorhead Cultural District, visit the Fargo Air Museum, and take a stroll through the historic downtown area.
4. Bismarck:
The state capital offers a mix of history and modern amenities. Visit the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, explore the State Capitol... Read MORE...
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