Northern Lights Masonic Lodge
Ninth St., Cooperstown, ND Local significance of the building: Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
About National Register Listings
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 was the first state to provide free high school education to all of its residents, starting in 1905. This early commitment to education helped North Dakota develop one of the highest rates of high school graduation in the country.
About Griggs County
Griggs County Timeline
Griggs County, North Dakota, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1881. The area was largely inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Dakota Sioux and Chippewa, prior to the arrival of European settlers. The county was named after Alexander Griggs, who was instrumental in the development of Grand Forks and Fargo.
In the late 19th century, Griggs County experienced a boom with the arrival of the railroad in Mayville, its county seat. The railroad provided a crucial connection to the outside world, allowing for the import and export of goods, and bringing an influx of settlers to the area. Farming became the dominant economic activity, with wheat being a significant crop, leading to the establishment of numerous farms and agricultural communities in the county.
The early 20th century brought various changes and challenges to Griggs County. The advent of modern agricultural technology, such as tractors and crop rotation methods, revolutionized farming practices and increased productivity. However, the county also faced difficulties, including the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, which caused widespread economic hardship and environmental damage.
In more recent years, Griggs County has focused on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism. The county is home to beautiful lakes, like Lake Jessie and Lake Alice, which attract visitors for fishing, boating, and recreational activities. Agriculture continues to play a vital role in the county's economy, but efforts have been made to encourage small businesses and promote cultural and historical attractions. Griggs County preserves its heritage through museums, such as the Pioneer Museum in Cooperstown, which showcases the county's history and serves as a reminder of its rich past.
In the late 19th century, Griggs County experienced a boom with the arrival of the railroad in Mayville, its county seat. The railroad provided a crucial connection to the outside world, allowing for the import and export of goods, and bringing an influx of settlers to the area. Farming became the dominant economic activity, with wheat being a significant crop, leading to the establishment of numerous farms and agricultural communities in the county.
The early 20th century brought various changes and challenges to Griggs County. The advent of modern agricultural technology, such as tractors and crop rotation methods, revolutionized farming practices and increased productivity. However, the county also faced difficulties, including the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, which caused widespread economic hardship and environmental damage.
In more recent years, Griggs County has focused on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism. The county is home to beautiful lakes, like Lake Jessie and Lake Alice, which attract visitors for fishing, boating, and recreational activities. Agriculture continues to play a vital role in the county's economy, but efforts have been made to encourage small businesses and promote cultural and historical attractions. Griggs County preserves its heritage through museums, such as the Pioneer Museum in Cooperstown, which showcases the county's history and serves as a reminder of its rich past.
Griggs County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Griggs County, North Dakota.
- 1881: Griggs County was founded on January 4.
- 1882: The first county courthouse, a two-story frame building, was constructed in Cooperstown.
- 1883: Cooperstown was incorporated as a city on June 14.
- 1887: The county's first newspaper, the "Griggs County Courier," was established.
- 1891: The county's first bank, the "Griggs County Bank," opened its doors.
- 1896: The state's first reaper museum, the "Rollag Museum," was opened in Binford.
- 1901: The North Dakota School for the Feeble Minded, later known as the "Grafton State School," was established in Grafton.
- 1906: The Griggs County Courthouse, a brick structure, was completed in Cooperstown.
- 1929: The Great Depression hit Griggs County, causing economic hardships for many residents.
- 1944: The county's first hospital, the "Cooperstown Hospital," opened its doors.
- 1977: The "Dakota Hospital Foundation" was established to provide healthcare services to the county.
- 1990: The population of Griggs County reached its peak at 3,871 residents.
- 2009: The "CGI Communications" project brought fiber-optic internet access to Cooperstown.