Independence Congregational Church
a.k.a. Independence Chaple (UCC); SITS 32DU1220
BIA Rd. 13, Mandaree, ND Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
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 was once home to a thriving wheat-growing industry that helped it earn the nickname "The Breadbasket of the World." The state's fertile soil and favorable weather conditions made it an ideal location for wheat farming, and many farmers still grow wheat there today.
In the late 18th century, European settlers began to explore the region. The Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804-1806 passed through what is now Dunn County, noting the abundance of wildlife and the rugged beauty of the landscape. However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that permanent settlement took hold.
In the 1880s, the arrival of the railroad sparked a wave of homesteading in Dunn County. Settlers came seeking the promise of cheap land and a chance to build a prosperous future. Agriculture became the main economic driver, with farmers cultivating wheat, corn, and other crops. Oil was discovered in the area in the early 20th century, which brought further growth and development to the county.
Over the years, Dunn County has experienced both highs and lows. The ravages of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s and the economic hardships of the Great Depression took their toll on the community. However, the county rebounded in the post-war era, with new industries emerging and the population steadily increasing.
Today, Dunn County continues to be primarily rural and agricultural, with farming, ranching, and oil production being major contributors to the local economy. The county is also home to beautiful natural areas, including parts of the Little Missouri National Grassland and the rugged Badlands. With its fascinating history and natural beauty, Dunn County remains a unique and vibrant part of North Dakota.
Dunn County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dunn County, North Dakota.
- 1818: The first recorded European explorers, fur traders from the Hudson's Bay Company, visit the area that would later become Dunn County.
- 1864: The area is officially recognized as part of Dakota Territory.
- 1881: The first settler, William Murray, establishes a homestead near the present-day town of Manning.
- 1884: The Northern Pacific Railway reaches the area, spurring growth and development.
- 1908: Dunn County is officially established, named after John Piatt Dunn, who served as the tenth Governor of North Dakota.
- 1914: The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county.
- 1920s-1950s: Oil production continues to drive the local economy, with several oil companies operating in the region.
- 1965: The Killdeer Mountain War, a conflict between members of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation and the United States government, takes place in Dunn County.
- 2006: The Bakken Formation is discovered, leading to a new oil boom in the area and a significant increase in population and economic activity.
- 2010: The population of Dunn County reaches its highest point in history, primarily driven by the oil industry.