National Register Listings in Nelson County, North Dakota
North Dakota has the highest percentage of residents of Norwegian ancestry of any state in the U.S. Today, many towns and cities in the state still celebrate their Norwegian heritage with festivals, parades, and other events.
About Nelson County
Nelson County Timeline
Nelson County, located in the eastern part of North Dakota, has a rich history that stretches back to the mid-19th century. The county was established in 1883 and named after the famous British naval hero, Lord Horatio Nelson. One of the earliest significant events in Nelson County's history was the arrival of European settlers in the late 1800s. These settlers, primarily of Scandinavian and German descent, came seeking new opportunities and agricultural land.
The county grew rapidly in the early 1900s, driven by the railroad construction and the fertile farming conditions. The city of Lakota, which became the county seat, was founded in 1900 and provided a central hub for commerce and government. With the expansion of agriculture, many small towns and rural communities were established throughout the county, including McVille, Petersburg, and Aneta.
In the early 1920s, a significant oil discovery near Aneta led to an economic boom in the county. Oil wells were drilled, and the region experienced a surge in population and economic activity. However, this boom was short-lived, as the oil fields quickly depleted and the industry declined. Despite this setback, Nelson County continued to thrive as an agricultural center, with farmers focusing on grain production, particularly wheat and barley.
The county has faced its share of challenges over the years, including the effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s and the decline of small family farms in the late 20th century. However, Nelson County has remained resilient, adapting to changing economic and social landscapes. Today, the county is known for its picturesque rural landscapes, friendly communities, and strong agricultural heritage.
The county grew rapidly in the early 1900s, driven by the railroad construction and the fertile farming conditions. The city of Lakota, which became the county seat, was founded in 1900 and provided a central hub for commerce and government. With the expansion of agriculture, many small towns and rural communities were established throughout the county, including McVille, Petersburg, and Aneta.
In the early 1920s, a significant oil discovery near Aneta led to an economic boom in the county. Oil wells were drilled, and the region experienced a surge in population and economic activity. However, this boom was short-lived, as the oil fields quickly depleted and the industry declined. Despite this setback, Nelson County continued to thrive as an agricultural center, with farmers focusing on grain production, particularly wheat and barley.
The county has faced its share of challenges over the years, including the effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s and the decline of small family farms in the late 20th century. However, Nelson County has remained resilient, adapting to changing economic and social landscapes. Today, the county is known for its picturesque rural landscapes, friendly communities, and strong agricultural heritage.
Nelson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Nelson County, North Dakota.
- Nelson County was established on March 2, 1883.
- The first settlers arrived in the area in the late 1870s.
- In 1880, the Northern Pacific Railway was completed through the county.
- The town of Lakota was founded in 1882.
- Several other towns, including Aneta, Pekin, and McVille, were established in the late 1800s.
- In 1890, the county courthouse was built in Lakota.
- The county experienced significant agricultural growth in the early 1900s.
- In the 1920s, the area was hit by a series of devastating droughts that impacted the farming community.
- Nelson County saw a decline in population during the Great Depression.
- In the 1950s and 1960s, the county experienced a period of economic growth.
- Today, Nelson County is known for its agricultural industry and scenic landscapes.