National Register Listing

All Saints' Episcopal Church

a.k.a. All Saints' Church

516 N. Central Ave., Valley City, ND
The first stone Episcopal church in North Dakota, All Saints' Episcopal Church in Valley City is a significant example of the property type, Episcopal Churches of North Dakota, 1872-1920s, for the multiple properties submission and context of the same name. The essentially unaltered building is significant at the state level under Criterion C (architecture), for it embodies the Gothic Revival Style, especially as it relates to the principles of the Episcopal Ecclesiological movement. Examples of this distinctive building type are unsurpassed in terms of unity of design, style, materials, and craft in North Dakota and comprise a significant architectural body of work. The church is also significant under Criterion A in the area of exploration/ settlement, for it is an important remnant of the state's earliest settlement period, a period largely dominated by easterners and Canadians of English descent. As such, it may be one of the few extant examples in Valley City associated with this first period of settlement. Still used as an Episcopal church, All Saint's derives its primary significance from its architectural distinction (Criteria Consideration A). Built in 1881, All Saints' Church displays the key defining design elements listed under the registration requirements (side porch, steeply pitched roof, pointed arch openings, asymmetry, honest use of materials, chancel design). The period of significance for criterion C covers when the building was constructed, and the period of significance for criterion A is 188197. This period begins when the church was constructed during the first Dakota Boom (which began in 1878) and ends in 1897 with the close of this initial intense period of settlement.
Local significance of the building:
Exploration/settlement; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

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.

exploration settlementT architecture
North Dakota was the site of one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history, the Schoolhouse Blizzard of 1888. The storm struck without warning and claimed the lives of more than 200 people, many of whom were schoolchildren caught in the blizzard on their way home from school.
North Dakota random facts
Barnes County, located in the southeastern part of North Dakota, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Dakota Sioux Native American tribe and later became a part of the Dakota Territory. In 1872, Barnes County was officially established and named after Alanson H. Barnes, a Republican politician of the time.

The arrival of European settlers in the 1870s brought significant changes to the region. The growth of agriculture, particularly wheat farming, became the backbone of the local economy. The introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled growth, as it provided a means for transporting goods and people to and from Barnes County. Numerous small towns, such as Valley City, Litchville, and Wimbledon, were established as economic and social centers for the surrounding rural communities.

In the early 20th century, Barnes County faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and changes in agricultural practices. However, the construction of the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway in the 1930s helped boost tourism and brought new opportunities to the area. Additionally, the establishment of Valley City State University in 1890 provided educational and cultural resources to the community.

Over the years, Barnes County has continued to evolve and adapt to a changing world. Today, it remains an important agricultural region, known for its wide-open landscapes and friendly communities. The county's historical sites, museums, and festivals serve as a reminder of its rich heritage and the contributions made by its residents throughout the years.

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

  • 1870: Native American tribes settle in the area.
  • 1872: Fort Ransom is established by the US Army.
  • 1874: European settlers arrive and begin farming in the region.
  • 1879: Barnes County is officially organized and named after Judge Alanson Barnes.
  • 1881: Valley City becomes the county seat.
  • 1882: The railroad reaches Valley City, stimulating economic growth.
  • 1910: The Sheyenne River Valley is hit by severe flooding.
  • 1920s: The agricultural economy booms, with wheat and corn as the main crops.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardships to the county.
  • 1957: Valley City State University is established.
  • 1980: Valley City experiences a devastating tornado.
  • 2000s: Barnes County sees a decline in population due to rural-to-urban migration.