North Dakota is at times referred to as the “High Plains” state, with Minnesota to its east, South Dakota to its south, Montana to its west, and the Canadian regions of Saskatchewan and Manitoba to its north.
The stone marker in Rugby identifies itself as being the “Geographical Center of the North American Continent “.
History of North Dakota
First settled by Native Americans several thousand years ago, it wasn’t until the mid-1700s (1738 – 1740) that French Canadians, led by the Sieur de la Verendyre, explored the area. The main tribes in the area at the time included the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Sioux and Chippewa.
La Verendyre visited the Mandan tribes in 1738 and was amazed at their level of development, especially in agricultural craftsmanship and trade.
The US acquired most of North Dakota from France in 1803 with the Louisiana Purchase. After the purchase, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the Discovery Corps and selected Lewis and Clark to lead the expedition.
In North Dakota, led by Sakakoya, a Shoshone Lemhi woman who acted as their interpreter and guide, they explored the area. Their party built the Mandan Fort where they spent the winter of 1804-05. Sakakoya traveled with them during their long exploration of the western United States.
In agreement with the UK, signed in 1818, the US received the northeastern region of North Dakota, including the settlement of Pembina. Pembina was the first fur trading post and then became a permanent settlement in 1812.
The Dakota Territory, which included present day North and South Dakota and parts of Wyoming and the Montanawas, organized in March 1861. The territory remained sparsely settled until the late 19th century, when the railroads entered the region.
- Topschoolsintheusa: Guides to study in North Dakota, including geography, climate, economy, and tourism of the state.
- A2zcamerablog: Offers general information about North Dakota, covering history, population, economy and county list.
- Campingship: State outline of North Dakota, including geography location, state capital, brief history and a list of largest counties by area.
Railroads spawned economic growth and development due to the ability to transport agricultural products such as wheat, flaxseed and cattle.
Flags of North Dakota
The flag, adopted in 1911, was orginally used by the state militia.
The dark blue area shows a bald eagle holding an olive branch and a bunch of arrows in its claws. In its beak, the eagle carries a ribbon with the words “One country made up of many states.”
The shield on his chest has thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen states. The shaped fan design above the eagle represents the birth of a new country, the United States.
