National Register Listing

Downtown Bismarck Historic District

Roughly bounded by Broadway and Thayer Aves., 5th St., Burlington and Santa Fe RR corridor, Washington and 2nd Sts., Bismarck, ND
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Architecture; Industry; Transportation; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

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.

North Dakota has the highest percentage of residents of Norwegian ancestry of any state in the U.S. Today, many towns and cities in the state still celebrate their Norwegian heritage with festivals, parades, and other events.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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