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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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 North Dakota, USA - State Capitol, Bismarck, N.D.

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

State Capitol, Bismarck, N.D.
North Dakota, USA

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State Capitol, Bismarck, N.D.

North Dakota, USA

(IL) - Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois
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Main Street, Bottineau, N.D.
North Dakota, USA

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Main Street, Bottineau, N.D.
Flag of North Dakota
Adopted March 11, 1911
North Dakota, USA
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Flag of North Dakota
Adopted March 11, 1911
Bird's Eye View, Dickinson, N.D.
North Dakota, USA

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Bird's Eye View, Dickinson, N.D.

Discover North Dakota: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1713 - France gives England northern North Dakota
In 1713, as part of the broader geopolitical shifts following the War of the Spanish Succession, France ceded northern North Dakota to England through the Treaty of Utrecht. This treaty marked a pivotal moment in European colonial history, as it reshaped territorial claims in North America, particularly between France and England. The region encompassing northern North Dakota was part of the broader Louisiana Territory under French control, strategically significant for its fur trade and indigenous alliances. However, faced with mounting pressures and territorial losses in Europe and North America, France reluctantly agreed to relinquish these northern territories, paving the way for increased English influence and settlement in what would later become a key part of the United States.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1804 - Lewis and Clark arrived, built Fort Mandan (ND)
In 1804, the historic expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark arrived at the location where they would establish Fort Mandan. This marked a crucial milestone in their journey, which was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean. Fort Mandan was constructed near present-day Washburn, North Dakota, along the banks of the Missouri River. Named after the local Mandan Native American tribe, the fort served as their winter camp from 1804 to 1805, providing a strategic base for rest, trade, and interaction with the indigenous peoples of the region.

During their stay at Fort Mandan, Lewis and Clark prepared meticulously for the challenges ahead, conducting scientific observations, mapping the territory, and establishing relationships with Native American tribes like the Mandan and Hidatsa. The fort also played a crucial role as a cultural exchange center, where the expedition... Read MORE...

1851 - Permanent agricultural settlement established at Pembina (ND)
In 1851, the establishment of a permanent agricultural settlement at Pembina marked a significant development in the history of the region, situated in what is now North Dakota. Pembina had already been a focal point for fur trading and indigenous gatherings for decades prior, but the formal establishment of a settlement underscored the growing American influence in the area following the 1849 treaty that extended U.S. jurisdiction over Pembina and the surrounding territory. The settlement's founding represented a deliberate effort by American settlers to stake their claim and develop the fertile lands along the Red River, which provided rich agricultural opportunities.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1863 - Dakota Territory opened for homesteading

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1876 - Custer defeated at Little Big Horn River
In 1876, the Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand, marked a pivotal and tragic event in American history. It occurred in present-day Montana when Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his regiment, the 7th Cavalry, clashed with a coalition of Native American tribes, primarily the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho. Custer's mission was part of a larger campaign to force Native American tribes onto reservations and open up land for white settlement, a policy driven by the U.S. government's expansionist agenda.

On June 25-26, Custer's forces encountered far greater numbers than anticipated under the leadership of Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Despite being warned of the size and strength of the Native coalition, Custer divided his forces, leading to a catastrophic defeat. His battalion of over 200 soldiers was swiftly overwhelmed and annihilated in a fierce battle. The outcome shocked the nation and became a symbol of both Native... Read MORE...

1879 - Great Dakota land boom began

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
1918 - Influenza epidemic killed 2,700 in North Dakota

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1929 - Severe drought began in North Dakota, lasted nearly eight years

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February 15, 1936 - The temperature at Parshall ND plunged to 60 degrees below zero to establish a state record.

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February 15, 1936
1938 - First hard-surfaced highway completed across state of North Dakota

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1960 - Garrison Dam (ND) completed; Lake Sakakawea formed

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1966 - Worst blizzard in North Dakota state history occurred

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ndtimeln.htm
1968 - First recorded earthquake in state recorded near Ashley (ND)

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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...

Discover MY Roots: North Dakota Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in North Dakota, USA

We currently have information about 39 ancestors who were born or died in North Dakota.

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Our North Dakota Gift Ideas

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NORTH DAKOTA HERITAGE - "My Ancestors Came From North Dakota!" 11 oz Ceramic Mug

Celebrate your North Dakotan heritage with our "My Ancestors Came From North Dakota!" 11 oz Ceramic Mug. This charming mug captures the spirit of the Peace Garden State with a whimsical caption that reads, "My Ancestors Came From North Dakota! That explains a lot about my love for lefse and my ability to survive blizzards with a smile."
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Updated: 6/27/2024 6:54:54 PM