National Register Listing

Great Northern Railway Underpass

a.k.a. 32MN499

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway tracks, over ND 8, N end of Stanley, Stanley, ND
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

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 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
Mountrail County, North Dakota, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, and Sioux. These tribes depended on the nearby Missouri River for fishing, hunting, and transportation.

In the 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, establishing the first permanent settlements. Mountrail County was officially organized in 1909, named after Mountrail County, Michigan. The county quickly became an important agricultural region, with wheat and other crops being the primary source of income for settlers.

During the 1930s, Mountrail County, like the rest of the Great Plains, was severely affected by the Dust Bowl. A combination of drought, poor farming practices, and strong winds led to massive dust storms that devastated the agricultural industry. Many families were forced to abandon their farms and leave the area in search of better opportunities.

In recent years, Mountrail County has experienced an economic boom due to the discovery of oil in the Bakken Formation. This has led to a rapid increase in population, as well as significant economic growth and job opportunities. The oil industry has brought both positive and negative effects to the county, with increased revenue but also concerns about the environment and infrastructure development. Today, Mountrail County continues to be a thriving rural community with a diverse economy and natural beauty.

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

  • 1800s: Mountrail County was home to various Native American tribes, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara.
  • 1837: The area was explored by fur trappers and traders.
  • 1873: The Fort Berthold Indian Reservation was established, encompassing a large portion of Mountrail County.
  • 1912: Mountrail County was officially organized and became a county in North Dakota.
  • 1951: The discovery of oil in the Parshall Oil Field led to a significant economic boom in Mountrail County.
  • 1954: A severe drought hit the region, causing widespread crop failures and economic hardships.
  • 1964: Construction of the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River was completed, resulting in the creation of Lake Sakakawea.
  • 2010: Due to a resurgence in oil production, Mountrail County experienced population growth and increased economic activity.