Grace Episcopal Church
a.k.a. Stone Church Museum;32BE32
210 C Ave. S., Minnewaukan, NDGrace Episcopal Church in Minnewaukan relates the Episcopal Churches of North Dakota, 1872-1920s, a multiple property submission to the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the Late Gothic Reyival style, the church is nominated under Criterion for its statewide significance in Architecture because it is a fine example of an Ecclesiologically correct, Gothic Revival church and is typical of Episcopal church construction at the turn of the century. The church possesses a high degree of integrity in its nearly unaltered state and good condition. "Examples of this distinctive building type are unsurpassed in terms of unity and comprise a significant architectural body of work," according to Barbara Beving Long, author of the Episcopal Churches of North Dakota multiple property submission.
The Church meets the registration requirements described in the multiple property submission with its Late Gothic Revival style detailing, steeply pitched roof, asymmetrical plan, bell tower entrance, liturgically oriented chancel, lancet windows, and honest use of materials. In the multiple property submission, the church is listed as one of those which are Ecclesiologically correct in design and falls into the Late Gothic Revival designs in stone. The period of significance for the property is 1903-1905, the property's date of construction.
Local significance of the building:
The Church meets the registration requirements described in the multiple property submission with its Late Gothic Revival style detailing, steeply pitched roof, asymmetrical plan, bell tower entrance, liturgically oriented chancel, lancet windows, and honest use of materials. In the multiple property submission, the church is listed as one of those which are Ecclesiologically correct in design and falls into the Late Gothic Revival designs in stone. The period of significance for the property is 1903-1905, the property's date of construction.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
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.
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North Dakota was once home to a massive inland sea, known as the Western Interior Seaway, which covered much of the state during the Late Cretaceous period around 80 million years ago. Fossils from marine creatures that lived in this sea can still be found in the state today.
About Benson County
Benson County Timeline
Benson County, ND has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native Americans, particularly the Dakota Sioux tribes, who relied on hunting, fishing, and farming for sustenance. European settlers began to arrive in the mid-19th century, with the establishment of military forts and trading posts.
In 1884, Benson County was officially established, named after B.W. Benson, a territorial legislator. The county saw a significant influx of settlers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracted by the promise of free land through the Homestead Act. The agriculture industry boomed, with farmers cultivating wheat, barley, and oats. Towns and villages sprang up, including Maddock, the county seat, and Minnewaukan, the largest community.
However, the county faced several challenges over the years. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, many farmers suffered from drought and financial difficulties. The Dust Bowl also had a severe impact on the region, leading to soil erosion and crop failures. The construction of the Garrison Dam in the 1940s further disrupted the county, as it resulted in the loss of fertile farmland and the relocation of communities.
Despite these challenges, Benson County has adapted and thrived over time. The agriculture industry remains a cornerstone of the economy, although it has diversified to include livestock, dairy farming, and the production of biofuels. The county also boasts beautiful landscapes, with several recreational opportunities in the area, such as fishing, hunting, and boating on nearby lakes.
Today, Benson County continues to honor its history while looking towards the future. Its resilient community and dedication to preserving its agricultural heritage make it a unique and thriving part of North Dakota.
In 1884, Benson County was officially established, named after B.W. Benson, a territorial legislator. The county saw a significant influx of settlers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracted by the promise of free land through the Homestead Act. The agriculture industry boomed, with farmers cultivating wheat, barley, and oats. Towns and villages sprang up, including Maddock, the county seat, and Minnewaukan, the largest community.
However, the county faced several challenges over the years. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, many farmers suffered from drought and financial difficulties. The Dust Bowl also had a severe impact on the region, leading to soil erosion and crop failures. The construction of the Garrison Dam in the 1940s further disrupted the county, as it resulted in the loss of fertile farmland and the relocation of communities.
Despite these challenges, Benson County has adapted and thrived over time. The agriculture industry remains a cornerstone of the economy, although it has diversified to include livestock, dairy farming, and the production of biofuels. The county also boasts beautiful landscapes, with several recreational opportunities in the area, such as fishing, hunting, and boating on nearby lakes.
Today, Benson County continues to honor its history while looking towards the future. Its resilient community and dedication to preserving its agricultural heritage make it a unique and thriving part of North Dakota.
Benson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Benson County, North Dakota.
- 1883 - Benson County was established on March 9.
- 1888 - The county seat was established in Minnewaukan.
- 1911 - The Butte St. Paul Catholic Church was constructed in Maddock.
- 1930 - The Minnewaukan Public School, known as the "Castle on the Hill," was built.
- 1948 - The North Dakota State Highway Department built a bridge connecting the mainland and Pelican Island.
- 1969 - The Spirit Lake Tribe established a reservation within the boundaries of Benson County.
- 1990 - The White Horse Hill National Game Preserve was established on lands adjacent to Devils Lake.