Lewis and Clark Elementary School
a.k.a. SITS # 32 GF 3633
1100 13th Ave. South, Grand Forks, ND Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
- 1803: President Thomas Jefferson commissions Meriwether Lewis, his personal secretary, to lead an expedition to explore the western territories of the United States and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean.
- 1804: Lewis meets up with William Clark, a former army officer and experienced explorer, in Kentucky. They assemble a team of over 30 men and set out on the journey up the Missouri River.
- 1805: The expedition reaches the Rocky Mountains and crosses the Continental Divide. They build Fort Clatsop on the Pacific coast and spend the winter there, before returning east in the spring of 1806.
- 1806: Lewis and Clark split up to explore different routes on their way back to St. Louis. They reunite in September and return to civilization, where they are celebrated as national heroes.
- 1807: The Lewis and Clark Expedition publishes an official account of their journey, called the "History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark," which becomes a bestseller and helps to promote westward expansion.
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 1870, Grand Forks County was officially established as a county. The county's name is derived from the location at the junction of the Red and Red Lake Rivers, known as the "grand forks." The settlement of Grand Forks quickly grew in the late 19th century due to the expansion of the railroad and the opening of the University of North Dakota in 1883.
The early 20th century brought challenges to Grand Forks County, as it faced several devastating floods. The most notable was the Great Flood of 1997, which caused extensive damage to the city and resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents. However, the community rallied together to rebuild and recover, showcasing the resilience and determination of its residents.
Today, Grand Forks County is a thriving community with a diversified economy. It is home to various industries, including agriculture, education, healthcare, and technology. The county continues to grow and develop, with a strong focus on preserving its heritage and fostering a vibrant cultural scene. From its Native American roots to its modern-day achievements, Grand Forks County stands as a testament to the strength and spirit of its people.
Grand Forks County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Grand Forks County, North Dakota.
- 1812-1825: Assiniboine and Dakota Native American tribes inhabited the area.
- 1870: The Red River Valley was opened for settlement, leading to the establishment of Grand Forks County.
- 1872: The City of Grand Forks was founded and became the county seat.
- 1881: The University of North Dakota was established in Grand Forks.
- 1927: The devastating Red River flood caused significant damage in the county.
- 1948: The Grand Forks Air Force Base was established.
- 1997: Grand Forks County, along with the city, experienced a second major flood, resulting in widespread destruction.