National Register Listing

Fort Buford State Historic Site

a.k.a. Fort Buford

SW of Williston at confluence of Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers, Williston, ND
Local significance of the site:
Native American; Military; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

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
Williams County, located in North Dakota, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Mandan and Hidatsa, who utilized the fertile lands along the Missouri River for hunting, fishing, and agriculture. In the early 1800s, fur traders from Europe began to explore the region, establishing trading posts and interacting with the local tribes.

The discovery of gold in the nearby Black Hills brought a significant influx of settlers to the area in the late 1800s. Williams County was officially organized in 1891 and named after Erastus Appelman Williams, a prominent pioneer and politician in the region. The county quickly developed as a farming and agricultural hub, as settlers sought to take advantage of the fertile soil and favorable growing conditions.

Over the following decades, Williams County experienced various economic shifts. The discovery of oil in the region in the 1950s brought new industries and prosperity to the county, leading to a period of rapid growth and development. The oil industry continues to play a significant role in the county's economy today, with numerous oil wells and refineries dotting the landscape.

In recent years, Williams County has also faced challenges related to the boom-and-bust nature of the oil industry. The county has had to navigate issues such as infrastructure strain, environmental concerns, and fluctuating oil prices. Despite these challenges, Williams County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of rural and urban areas, rich historical landmarks, and a strong agricultural and energy sector.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Williams County, North Dakota.

  • 1804 - Lewis and Clark Expedition passes through the area
  • 1823 - Fur traders establish trading post near present-day Williston
  • 1887 - Williston founded as a railroad town
  • 1890 - Williams County established
  • 1900 - Oil discovered in North Dakota
  • 1951 - First oil well drilled in the Williston Basin
  • 1970 - Oil boom begins in Williams County
  • 2007 - Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline begins