National Register Listing

Traill County Courthouse

Off U.S. 81, Hillsboro, ND
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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
North Dakota was the first state to establish a state-owned bank, the Bank of North Dakota, in 1919. The bank was created to promote economic development in the state and has since become a model for other states looking to establish similar institutions.
North Dakota random facts
Traill County, located in the eastern part of North Dakota, has a rich and diverse history that spans over a century. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples, who used the land for hunting and gathering. In the 1800s, European settlers began to arrive, establishing trading posts and farms along the Red River of the North.

The county was officially organized in 1875 and named after Walter John Strickland Traill, an early settler and prominent figure in the region. Agriculture played a vital role in Traill County's development, with settlers clearing the land for farming and cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, and barley. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century provided further opportunities for economic growth and transportation.

Traill County saw a boom in population during the early 20th century, with many immigrants from Europe, particularly from Scandinavian countries, settling in the area. The influx of settlers brought cultural diversity and led to the development of towns and communities. However, like many areas in the Midwest, Traill County experienced the devastating effects of the Great Depression, which greatly impacted the local economy.

In recent decades, Traill County has focused on strengthening its agricultural industry, promoting tourism, and supporting local businesses. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the Sheyenne River Valley and numerous recreational areas. Today, Traill County continues to thrive as a vibrant community that cherishes its past while looking towards the future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Traill County, North Dakota.

  • 1871: Traill County is established.
  • 1873: First settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1874: The first post office opens in Traill County.
  • 1875: The county seat is established in Hillsboro.
  • 1883: Mayville State Normal School (now Mayville State University) is founded.
  • 1890: The Great Northern Railway is completed in Traill County.
  • 1898: Traill County Courthouse is built in Hillsboro.
  • 1923: The Hillsboro State Bank is established.
  • 1930: The May-Port CG School District is formed.
  • 1954: Interstate 29 is opened in Traill County.
  • 1970: The Traill Rural Water District is created.
  • 1989: Traill County Historical Society is founded.
  • 2009: Traill County celebrates its 138th anniversary.