National Register Listing

Wells County Courthouse

Railway St., N., Fessenden, ND
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

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.

law courthouses buildings
The world's largest buffalo statue is located in Jamestown, North Dakota. The statue stands 26 feet tall and weighs over 60 tons, and is a popular tourist attraction in the state.
North Dakota random facts
Wells County, North Dakota, is a county located in the central part of the state. It was established on January 4, 1873, and named after Captain Walter A. Wells, a soldier and pioneer settler in the region. The area that is now Wells County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux, Mandan, and Hidatsa. European settlers began arriving in the late 19th century, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for agriculture.

The first European settlers in Wells County were predominantly of German and Scandinavian descent. They established small farming communities, clearing the land for cultivation and building homes and infrastructure. The county witnessed significant growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the population expanding as more settlers arrived.

Agriculture has been the backbone of Wells County's economy throughout its history. Farmers cultivated wheat, corn, oats, barley, and other crops, which formed the basis of the county's prosperity. The county has also been known for its livestock production, with cattle and hog farming playing a crucial role.

Like many rural areas in the United States, Wells County experienced a decline in population over the past few decades, as younger generations moved to urban areas in search of employment opportunities. However, the county's strong agricultural heritage and tight-knit community continue to remain important aspects of its identity. Today, Wells County is home to several small towns, including Fessenden, Harvey, and Bowdon, which offer a glimpse into the county's rich history and unique charm.

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

  • 1800s - The area that is now Wells County was inhabited by the Mandan, Arikara, and Dakota Sioux Native American tribes.
  • 1884 - Wells County was officially organized and named after Edward P. Wells, a prominent political figure in the Dakota Territory.
  • 1885 - The first courthouse was built in Fessenden, which became the county seat.
  • 1890 - The population of Wells County reached its peak at around 8,000 residents.
  • Early 1900s - Agriculture became the main industry in the county, with the cultivation of wheat and other crops.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression and severe droughts caused economic hardships for the county.
  • 1947 - The construction of Harvey Dam provided irrigation and improved water supply for the area.
  • Late 20th century - Wells County experienced a decline in population due to factors such as mechanization in agriculture and urbanization.
  • Present - Wells County continues to be predominantly rural and relies on agriculture as its primary economic driver.