The Maple Creek Crossing Historic Site

Historical marker location:
Leonard, North Dakota
( Marker is on 150th Avenue Southeast near 47th Street Southeast, on the left when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1957

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North Dakota is the only state in the United States to have never experienced an earthquake. Despite being located near several fault lines, North Dakota's stable geological formations have prevented any significant seismic activity.
Cass County, North Dakota, has a rich history that traces back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples, who relied on the fertile soil and abundant resources of the region for their livelihoods.

The first known European settlers arrived in what is now Cass County in the mid-1800s, drawn by the promise of fertile farmland. The area soon became a hub for agricultural development, with settlers establishing numerous small towns and farming communities. In 1873, Cass County was officially created and named after territorial governor George Washington Cass.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cass County experienced significant growth and development. New rail lines were laid, connecting the county to markets across the region and facilitating the transportation of goods. As the county and its population expanded, new industries emerged, including flour mills, lumber production, and manufacturing.

In the early 20th century, Cass County faced challenges such as drought, economic downturns, and the impact of World War I. However, the county managed to weather these challenges and continued to develop. Today, Cass County is the most populous county in North Dakota and remains a major center for agriculture, as well as a hub for education, healthcare, and industry.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cass County, North Dakota.

  • 1804: Lewis and Clark expedition explores the area of present-day Cass County
  • 1818: The region becomes part of the land acquired through the Treaty of Fort Jackson
  • 1872: Cass County is established by the Dakota Territory Legislature
  • 1873: The city of Fargo is founded as the county seat
  • 1879: The Great Northern Railway reaches Fargo, boosting the city's growth and development
  • 1881: North Dakota Agricultural College (now North Dakota State University) is established in Fargo
  • 1893: The Fargo-Moorhead Flood devastates the region
  • 1957: The first Interstate highway in the state, Interstate 29, is opened in Cass County
  • 1974: Fargo experiences a major tornado outbreak, causing significant damage
  • 1997: The Red River Flood of 1997 causes extensive flooding in the county