Former North Dakota Executive Mansion
a.k.a. Old Governor`s Mansion;Asa Fisher House
320 Ave. B, E., Bismarck, NDThe former Executive Mansion was originally constructed in 1884 by Asa Fisher, a prosperous Bismarck businessman. Prior to the relocation of the capital of Dakota Territory to Bismarck in 1883, the town was a relatively small settlement economically dependent upon the railroad, steamboat trade, and supplying goods and services for military posts, Indian agencies, and the few settlers in the area. The establishment of the territorial capitol brought on a short period of rapid expansion in economic activity lasting until about the middle of 1885. As a result of the "boom" spirit and activity, four large mansion-size residences were built in what was then the northern portion of Bismarck in 1884. The Asa Fisher house was one of these.
In 1893, The North Dakota Legislature passed House Bill 87, which authorized a board to purchase or erect a suitable residence for the Chief executive of the state and to furnish the same. Six thousand dollars was appropriated for the purpose. The board elected to purchase the Asa Fisher residence because the meager appropriation would not build a new structure, and before the end of May, Governor Ki C.D. Shortridge moved into the home.
The building served as the official residence of the Governors of North Dakota for nearly 67 years. The last Governor to occupy it was John E. Davis whose term of office ran through 1960. A new executive mansion was completed at the southwest corner of the state capitol grounds (on the northeast corner of Boulevard Avenue and Fourth Street) in March of 1960 and on December 31 of that year, newly elected Governor William L. Guy and his family moved into the structure. Since 1961 the former residence has been occupied by offices of the State Health Department. House Bill 1315 of the Forty-Fourth Legislative Assembly, 1975, transfers the custody and control of the building to the State Historical Society of North Dakota for preservation as a historic site effective July 1, 1975. The bill was signed into law on March 14, 1975.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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.
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