Historical Markers in
Burleigh County, North Dakota

All Veterans Memorial Apple Creek Archaeological Excavations in 1905 Bismarck River Warehouse Boxcar used in the 1st World War Bullboats Camp Hancock Site Map Church of the Bread of Life Combat Wounded Veterans Ditch 2 Ditch 3 Double Ditch State Historic Site Double Ditch State Historic Site Early Archeological Studies At Menoken Village Episcopalian Services In The Area Final Occupation of Double Ditch First News of Custer’s Death Geophysical Prospecting in Archaeology Glaciation and Forming the Missouri River Trench Hancock History Homes Hunting and Gathering Investigating a Pit House Locomotive #2164 Mandan Origin Stories Mandans and the Practice of Farming Menoken Indian Village Site Menoken Village State Historic Site Midden Mounds (Trash Heaps) Missouri River Resources Potande and the Mandan Fishery Sakakawea Statue Square Buttes Stone Shelter The Founding Community AD 1490-1550 The Honorable John Burke The Pioneer Family Trade at Menoken
North Dakota is the only state in the United States to have never experienced an earthquake. Despite being located near several fault lines, North Dakota's stable geological formations have prevented any significant seismic activity.
North Dakota random facts
Burleigh County is located in the state of North Dakota and has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. The county was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Mandan people. European explorers, such as Lewis and Clark, also explored the area in the early 19th century. Settlement began in the area in the late 1800s, with the establishment of small agricultural communities.

In 1872, Burleigh County was officially organized and named after Walter A. Burleigh, a prominent pioneer and politician in the state. The county seat was established in the city of Bismarck, which has remained the county seat to this day. Bismarck quickly grew to become an important economic and political center in the region.

The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1873 and the completion of the Capitol building in Bismarck in 1883 further contributed to the county's growth. Agriculture became a major industry, with farmers cultivating crops like wheat, barley, and corn.

Burleigh County has also played a role in North Dakota's political history. In 1889, North Dakota became a state and Bismarck became the state capital. The county continued to grow and prosper in the following decades. Today, Burleigh County remains a vibrant community, known for its strong agricultural heritage, political importance, and natural beauty.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Burleigh County, North Dakota.

  • 1812: Lewis and Clark Expedition explores the area of present-day Burleigh County
  • 1873: Burleigh County is organized and named after Walter A. Burleigh, a lawyer and U.S. Congressman
  • 1878: Bismarck becomes the county seat
  • 1883: Northern Pacific Railway reaches Bismarck, boosting economic growth in the area
  • 1899: Burleigh County Courthouse is constructed
  • 1920s: Oil deposits are discovered near Bismarck, leading to an oil boom in the county
  • 1929: Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park is established in western Burleigh County
  • 1960s: Construction begins on the Garrison Dam, creating Lake Sakakawea and providing hydroelectric power
  • 1976: The North Dakota Heritage Center is built in Bismarck, showcasing the state's history and culture
  • 2009: Flooding along the Missouri River affects several communities in Burleigh County