National Register Listing

Divide County Courthouse

In Crosby, Crosby, ND
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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.

law courthouses buildings
Audiobooks about the history of North Dakota.
North Dakota was the first state to have a state-owned flour mill, which was established in 1922. The mill helped to create a stable market for North Dakota wheat and has since become a major supplier of flour to bakeries and food companies across the country.
North Dakota random facts
Divide County is located in the northwestern region of North Dakota and was established on April 9, 1910. The county was named after the divide between the Missouri River and Rainy Butte Creek. Originally part of Williams County, the area experienced an influx of settlers during the early 1900s due to the promise of agricultural opportunities and the discovery of oil.

The history of Divide County is intertwined with the development of its communities. Cities such as Crosby and Fortuna played a significant role in the county's growth and development. Crosby, the county seat, was founded in 1906 and quickly became a prominent trading center for the surrounding agricultural and oil-producing regions. Fortuna, established in 1911, was initially a railroad stop before it transformed into another thriving community.

The discovery of oil in the early 1950s brought a new wave of economic prosperity to Divide County. The Williston Basin, located to the west, became a major center for oil exploration, leading to increased drilling activity and the establishment of oil-related industries. This oil boom significantly impacted the county's population and economy, resulting in increased employment opportunities and population growth.

In recent years, Divide County has faced challenges associated with the fluctuation of oil prices and the decline in drilling activity. Despite these challenges, the county continues to be an important agricultural and energy-producing region. The area's rich history, from its early settlement to its oil boom days, is a testament to the resilience and determination of the people who call Divide County home.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Divide County, North Dakota.

  • 1910 - Divide County is established by the North Dakota State Legislature.
  • 1920 - The population of Divide County reaches its peak at over 10,000 residents.
  • 1936 - The Divide County Courthouse is built, becoming a prominent landmark.
  • 1951 - Oil is discovered in Divide County, leading to an economic boom.
  • 1980 - The population of Divide County starts declining due to economic factors.
  • 2006 - Divide County celebrates its centennial anniversary.
  • 2019 - Divide County continues to be a rural, agricultural community.