National Register Listing

State Normal School at Valley City Historic District

a.k.a. Valley City State Teachers College;Valley City State College

Roughly bounded by College St., SE., Second Ave.,SE.,Viking Dr. and Second Ave., SW., Valley City, ND
The State Normal School at Valley City Historic District, which assumed its present appearance between 1892 and 1973, is a product of the need perceived by members of the state's constitutional convention of 1889 to provide institutions for the training of teachers to serve the new state's rural schools. Until the late 1920s its enrollment was consistently larger than any of the other normal schools in the state, and it was the only one which could honestly claim to serve the state at large. The district also illustrates the national pattern of such institutions to expand over time their educational roles. For the foregoing reasons the State Normal School at Valley City Historic District is eligible for National Register listing under Criterion A. Under Criterion C the district is eligible as a collection of stylistically varied buildings, designed by several of the state's best known and most prolific early architects, including the Fargo-based firms of the Hancock Brothers, Milton Earl Beebe, and Keith and Kurke. The campus which took shape through their designs reflects important historical traditions in American campus planning, as well as a campus planning ideal very much in vogue at the time. The district illustrates the tradition of organizing facilities under a single roof, which was characteristic of early American women's colleges. Such a tradition was appropriate to an institution that, during its early years, trained mostly women to teach. During the formative years of the institution, campus planning in the Beaux Arts context was quite popular. The district, open to the Sheyenne River and the town of Valley City to the north, is characterized by symmetry, axiality, focal points, and geometric clarity. These characteristics make it an excellent North Dakota example of Beaux-Arts campus planning. It is a campus which is, in the North Dakota context, uniquely defined by topographic boundaries that lend powerful impact to its setting as an academic village.
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Community Planning And Development; Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

education
North Dakota was the site of one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history, the Schoolhouse Blizzard of 1888. The storm struck without warning and claimed the lives of more than 200 people, many of whom were schoolchildren caught in the blizzard on their way home from school.
North Dakota random facts
Barnes County, located in the southeastern part of North Dakota, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Dakota Sioux Native American tribe and later became a part of the Dakota Territory. In 1872, Barnes County was officially established and named after Alanson H. Barnes, a Republican politician of the time.

The arrival of European settlers in the 1870s brought significant changes to the region. The growth of agriculture, particularly wheat farming, became the backbone of the local economy. The introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled growth, as it provided a means for transporting goods and people to and from Barnes County. Numerous small towns, such as Valley City, Litchville, and Wimbledon, were established as economic and social centers for the surrounding rural communities.

In the early 20th century, Barnes County faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and changes in agricultural practices. However, the construction of the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway in the 1930s helped boost tourism and brought new opportunities to the area. Additionally, the establishment of Valley City State University in 1890 provided educational and cultural resources to the community.

Over the years, Barnes County has continued to evolve and adapt to a changing world. Today, it remains an important agricultural region, known for its wide-open landscapes and friendly communities. The county's historical sites, museums, and festivals serve as a reminder of its rich heritage and the contributions made by its residents throughout the years.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Barnes County, North Dakota.

  • 1870: Native American tribes settle in the area.
  • 1872: Fort Ransom is established by the US Army.
  • 1874: European settlers arrive and begin farming in the region.
  • 1879: Barnes County is officially organized and named after Judge Alanson Barnes.
  • 1881: Valley City becomes the county seat.
  • 1882: The railroad reaches Valley City, stimulating economic growth.
  • 1910: The Sheyenne River Valley is hit by severe flooding.
  • 1920s: The agricultural economy booms, with wheat and corn as the main crops.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardships to the county.
  • 1957: Valley City State University is established.
  • 1980: Valley City experiences a devastating tornado.
  • 2000s: Barnes County sees a decline in population due to rural-to-urban migration.