Burleigh County Courthouse
E. Thayer Ave., Bismarck, NDThe Burleigh County courthouse is significant for the role it has played in the history of county government and because it houses many county offices and official records.
As an architectural achievement it contains the most extensive collection of original artwork of any Art Deco courthouse or other courthouse newly considered in this nomination. No other post-1920 courthouse in the state uses painting as freely for decoration. This practice is reminiscent of the decorative traditions commonly employed by monumental public architecture in the nineteenth century until the teens of the twentieth century.
Further, the aluminum spandrels are an unusual building feature among Deco courthouses in the state, but in keeping with the style's use of exotic materials for decoration. Minot architect, Ira Rush, who gained several commissions for North Dakota courthouses, made an effort to maintain a consistency of design between the spandrels and the stairway hand rail. The similarity of their design motifs adds to the artistic quality of the building.
Consistency of detailing extends to the jail, as well. It is contemporaneous with the courthouse and echoes the latter's styling. Thus, for planning purposes, the jail shall be considered part of the significant resource.
Local significance of the building:
As an architectural achievement it contains the most extensive collection of original artwork of any Art Deco courthouse or other courthouse newly considered in this nomination. No other post-1920 courthouse in the state uses painting as freely for decoration. This practice is reminiscent of the decorative traditions commonly employed by monumental public architecture in the nineteenth century until the teens of the twentieth century.
Further, the aluminum spandrels are an unusual building feature among Deco courthouses in the state, but in keeping with the style's use of exotic materials for decoration. Minot architect, Ira Rush, who gained several commissions for North Dakota courthouses, made an effort to maintain a consistency of design between the spandrels and the stairway hand rail. The similarity of their design motifs adds to the artistic quality of the building.
Consistency of detailing extends to the jail, as well. It is contemporaneous with the courthouse and echoes the latter's styling. Thus, for planning purposes, the jail shall be considered part of the significant resource.
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 is a place where the spirit of community thrives.
About Burleigh County
Burleigh County Timeline
Burleigh County is located in the state of North Dakota and has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. The county was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Mandan people. European explorers, such as Lewis and Clark, also explored the area in the early 19th century. Settlement began in the area in the late 1800s, with the establishment of small agricultural communities.
In 1872, Burleigh County was officially organized and named after Walter A. Burleigh, a prominent pioneer and politician in the state. The county seat was established in the city of Bismarck, which has remained the county seat to this day. Bismarck quickly grew to become an important economic and political center in the region.
The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1873 and the completion of the Capitol building in Bismarck in 1883 further contributed to the county's growth. Agriculture became a major industry, with farmers cultivating crops like wheat, barley, and corn.
Burleigh County has also played a role in North Dakota's political history. In 1889, North Dakota became a state and Bismarck became the state capital. The county continued to grow and prosper in the following decades. Today, Burleigh County remains a vibrant community, known for its strong agricultural heritage, political importance, and natural beauty.
In 1872, Burleigh County was officially organized and named after Walter A. Burleigh, a prominent pioneer and politician in the state. The county seat was established in the city of Bismarck, which has remained the county seat to this day. Bismarck quickly grew to become an important economic and political center in the region.
The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1873 and the completion of the Capitol building in Bismarck in 1883 further contributed to the county's growth. Agriculture became a major industry, with farmers cultivating crops like wheat, barley, and corn.
Burleigh County has also played a role in North Dakota's political history. In 1889, North Dakota became a state and Bismarck became the state capital. The county continued to grow and prosper in the following decades. Today, Burleigh County remains a vibrant community, known for its strong agricultural heritage, political importance, and natural beauty.
Burleigh County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Burleigh County, North Dakota.
- 1812: Lewis and Clark Expedition explores the area of present-day Burleigh County
- 1873: Burleigh County is organized and named after Walter A. Burleigh, a lawyer and U.S. Congressman
- 1878: Bismarck becomes the county seat
- 1883: Northern Pacific Railway reaches Bismarck, boosting economic growth in the area
- 1899: Burleigh County Courthouse is constructed
- 1920s: Oil deposits are discovered near Bismarck, leading to an oil boom in the county
- 1929: Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park is established in western Burleigh County
- 1960s: Construction begins on the Garrison Dam, creating Lake Sakakawea and providing hydroelectric power
- 1976: The North Dakota Heritage Center is built in Bismarck, showcasing the state's history and culture
- 2009: Flooding along the Missouri River affects several communities in Burleigh County
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