National Register Listing

Renville County Courthouse

Main St., Mohall, ND
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

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 has a long and rich history of Native American culture and heritage. The state is home to several Native American tribes, including the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and the Spirit Lake Tribe. Today, these tribes continue to preserve and celebrate their traditions and customs through powwows, cultural events, and other activities.
North Dakota random facts
Renville County, located in North Dakota, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It has been inhabited by various indigenous peoples, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes, who were known for their agriculture and trade practices. European explorers, such as Lewis and Clark, also passed through the area in the early 19th century.

The county was officially established in 1873 and named after Joseph Renville, an influential French-Canadian fur trader. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Renville County experienced significant growth and development, fueled by the arrival of the railroad and the establishment of new homesteads. Agriculture, particularly wheat farming, became the backbone of the local economy, with many settlers turning the vast prairies into productive farmlands.

In the mid-20th century, Renville County, like many rural areas, faced challenges due to the mechanization of agriculture and the decline of small family farms. However, the community persevered and diversified its economy, embracing industries such as oil extraction and manufacturing. The county also saw advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, bolstering its overall development.

Today, Renville County continues to be a close-knit community with a strong sense of history and heritage. It is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and various cultural events, which celebrate its past while embracing its future. From its earliest indigenous roots to its present-day achievements, Renville County's history reflects the resilience and perseverance of the people who have called it home.

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

  • 1881 - Renville County is founded on July 17th.
  • 1882 - Sherwood becomes the first county seat.
  • 1890 - Mohall becomes the new county seat.
  • 1905 - The Great Northern Railway builds a line through the county, boosting transportation and economic opportunities.
  • 1913 - A destructive grasshopper infestation impacts agriculture in the region.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression causes economic hardship and challenges for Renville County residents.
  • 1940s - The discovery of oil in the area leads to increased drilling, production, and economic growth.
  • 1952 - Glenburn becomes the current county seat.
  • 1997 - The Renville County Historical Society is formed, preserving and promoting the county's history.
  • 2010 - The US Census reports a population of 2,470 people in Renville County.