West Antelope Bridge
a.k.a. Sheyenne River Bridge;32BE41
Across the Sheyenne River, unnamed co. rd., approximately 30 mi. SE of jct. of ND 30 and US 2, Flora, NDIn accordance with the guidelines established in the Multiple Property Documentation form for "Historic Roadway Bridges in North Dakota," the West Antelope Bridge is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places with local significance under Criteria "A" and "c." The bridge is significant under Criterion A for its association with an important pattern of bridge construction in a number of counties in the state, in which one or two bridge companies received most of the contracts over a successive period of years, even with, or under the pretense of, competitive bidding. This pattern emerged in the late nineteenth century and, in some counties, continued into the 1930s. This bridge serves as representative example of the pattern; it is the oldest documented bridge in Benson County constructed by a long-term county bridge builder, the Fargo Bridge & Iron Company. The bridge has local significance under Criterion C because it is the oldest documented bridge in the county.
County records indicate that on September 9, 1907, county commissioners awarded an $1100 contract to Fargo Bridge & Iron Company for construction of this bridge. Fargo Bridge & Iron was virtually responsible for all the metal trusses constructed in the county in the first two decades of the twentieth century. Fargo Bridge & Iron was easily the largest bridge contractor in North Dakota during the first two decades of the twentieth century, and was especially prominent among firms working in the eastern and southern reaches of the state. Well over fifty historic Fargo Bridge & Iron bridges are believed to survive in the state.
Local significance of the structure:
County records indicate that on September 9, 1907, county commissioners awarded an $1100 contract to Fargo Bridge & Iron Company for construction of this bridge. Fargo Bridge & Iron was virtually responsible for all the metal trusses constructed in the county in the first two decades of the twentieth century. Fargo Bridge & Iron was easily the largest bridge contractor in North Dakota during the first two decades of the twentieth century, and was especially prominent among firms working in the eastern and southern reaches of the state. Well over fifty historic Fargo Bridge & Iron bridges are believed to survive in the state.
Engineering; Transportation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
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.
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.
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.