National Register Listing

Lisbon Opera House

a.k.a. J. C. Penney Building

413 Main Ave., Lisbon, ND
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture; Social History; Performing Arts

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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.

commerce architecture social history performing arts houses residential buildings
North Dakota played a major role in the development of the U.S. energy industry. The state's vast oil and natural gas reserves have been a major source of employment and economic growth for decades, and have helped to make the state one of the wealthiest in the country.
North Dakota random facts
Ransom County, North Dakota, has a rich and storied history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Dakota Sioux tribe, who relied on the rich natural resources of the region for their sustenance. However, European settlement began in the late 1800s, with the arrival of pioneers seeking fertile land for agriculture.

The county was officially established in 1873 and named in honor of General Thomas E.G. Ransom, a prominent Civil War veteran. The early settlers faced many challenges, including harsh weather conditions and the need to break the tough prairie sod to make the land suitable for farming. Despite these challenges, agriculture flourished, and grain farming became the key economic driver in Ransom County.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ransom County saw rapid growth and development. Towns such as Lisbon, the county seat, and Enderlin became important trading centers and transportation hubs. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 1880s further boosted the county's economy, enabling easier movement of goods and people.

Over the years, Ransom County has faced its share of challenges, including economic downturns and natural disasters. However, the resilient spirit of its residents and their commitment to agriculture have helped the county thrive. Today, Ransom County remains a primarily agricultural community, with diverse crop and livestock farming, and continues to be an integral part of North Dakota's rich agricultural heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Ransom County, North Dakota.

  • 1871 - Ransom County is established by the Dakota Territory Legislature.
  • 1873 - Fort Ransom is established as a U.S. military post.
  • 1874 - The first permanent settlement, Lisbon, is founded.
  • 1882 - The Jamestown, Valley City and Northern Railroad is built, connecting the county to the national rail network.
  • 1910 - North Dakota Agricultural College (now North Dakota State University) establishes an experimental station in Lisbon.
  • 1914 - The Lisbon Opera House, a cultural and entertainment hub, is constructed.
  • 1930 - The Great Depression hits Ransom County, causing economic hardships for many residents.
  • 1951 - The Sheyenne Valley Electric Cooperative is formed, bringing electricity to rural areas of the county.
  • 1975 - The Ransom County Courthouse, built in 1883, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1997 - The Lisbon Bohnenkamp-Murphy House, a historic residential property, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.