Burke County Courthouse
Main St., Bowbells, NDThe Burke County Courthouse is significant for its role in the history of county affairs and for its architecture. As a courthouse, it has served the county as the central location for county records and county offices and as a site for local trials.
Architecturally it has several features which contribute to its significance. It is one of three North Dakota courthouses (with Ward and Barnes Counties) designed by the St. Paul firm of Toltz, King, and Day. It is unusual among buildings of its age in that it has kept its original window configuration. The lobby arrangement of its interior marks a departure from the segregated-office plan of other courthouses, yet did not influence later design throughout the state. Its exterior styling suggests the declining influence of Classical and Federalist periods of architectural history as sources of inspiration for design at the late 1920's. Compare this with the Barnes and Ward county courthouses.
Local significance of the building:
Architecturally it has several features which contribute to its significance. It is one of three North Dakota courthouses (with Ward and Barnes Counties) designed by the St. Paul firm of Toltz, King, and Day. It is unusual among buildings of its age in that it has kept its original window configuration. The lobby arrangement of its interior marks a departure from the segregated-office plan of other courthouses, yet did not influence later design throughout the state. Its exterior styling suggests the declining influence of Classical and Federalist periods of architectural history as sources of inspiration for design at the late 1920's. Compare this with the Barnes and Ward county courthouses.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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 played a major role in the development of the U.S. energy industry. The state's vast oil and natural gas reserves have been a major source of employment and economic growth for decades, and have helped to make the state one of the wealthiest in the country.
About Burke County
Burke County Timeline
Burke County, North Dakota, holds a rich history of exploration, settlement, and development. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara peoples, who relied on the land's resources for their survival. The Lewis and Clark expedition passed through the area in 1804, marking the first recorded contact between European explorers and the indigenous population.
The 19th century saw a wave of settlers drawn to Burke County by its fertile land and abundant natural resources. As the railroad expanded across North Dakota, communities such as Bowbells and Lignite began to take shape. Agriculture played a significant role in the county's early development, with settlers cultivating wheat, oats, and other crops.
The early 20th century brought the discovery of oil in Burke County, which led to a population boom and economic transformation. Oil exploration and production surged, attracting industry and investment to the area. In the 1950s, the creation of the Burke County-Shestokas Field Airport further facilitated economic growth and transportation in the region.
Over time, Burke County has experienced shifts in its economic focus. While agriculture and oil remain significant, the county has also embraced alternative energy sources, including wind power. Today, Burke County is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community. It continues to celebrate its history while adapting to the changing needs and opportunities of the modern era.
The 19th century saw a wave of settlers drawn to Burke County by its fertile land and abundant natural resources. As the railroad expanded across North Dakota, communities such as Bowbells and Lignite began to take shape. Agriculture played a significant role in the county's early development, with settlers cultivating wheat, oats, and other crops.
The early 20th century brought the discovery of oil in Burke County, which led to a population boom and economic transformation. Oil exploration and production surged, attracting industry and investment to the area. In the 1950s, the creation of the Burke County-Shestokas Field Airport further facilitated economic growth and transportation in the region.
Over time, Burke County has experienced shifts in its economic focus. While agriculture and oil remain significant, the county has also embraced alternative energy sources, including wind power. Today, Burke County is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community. It continues to celebrate its history while adapting to the changing needs and opportunities of the modern era.
Burke County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Burke County, North Dakota.
- 1885 - Burke County is established by the Dakota Territory Legislature.
- 1891 - The Great Northern Railway reaches Columbus, now known as Bowbells, in Burke County, leading to increased settlement and economic growth.
- 1900 - The county's population reaches over 4,000 people.
- 1943 - The Burke County oil boom begins with the discovery of oil near Powers Lake.
- 1975 - Burke County becomes the largest oil-producing county in North Dakota.
- 1990s - Oil production declines, leading to a decrease in population and economic activity.
- 2006 - The Burke County Wind Project, a large-scale wind farm, is established, contributing to the county's renewable energy sector.
- 2010s - Oil extraction using hydraulic fracturing techniques leads to a resurgence in oil production and economic growth in Burke County.