Cities In North Dakota - Quick Facts, History & Geography
Cities In North Dakota Quick Facts
North Dakota became the 39th state of the United States on November 2, 1889. There are a total of 401 cities and towns in North Dakota. The capital city of North Dakota is Bismarck. Fargo is the largest city in the state with a population of 123,550 and a major economic and cultural hub. North Dakota is a leading producer of commodities such as wheat, barley, sunflowers and other crops. North Dakota is home to Minot Air Force Base which holds B-52 bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles, playing a vital role in the nation's defense. The North Dakota state nickname is "The Peace Garden State." The word "Dakota" means friend and was used by a Sioux Tribe. North Dakota is the 19th largest state by land area with 70,698 square miles and is 2.4% water. North Dakota is the 4th smallest state with just under 800,000 residents. North Dakota ranks as one of the least visited states in the U.S. for tourists. Famous people who were born in North Dakota include Peggy Lee, Josh Duhamel, Wiz Khalifa, Bobby Vee, Phil Jackson and Angie Dickinson.
The History of North Dakota
Long before European exploration, various indigenous tribes inhabited the region, including the Lakota Sioux, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara and Dakota Sioux. In 1804-1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, ventured into North Dakota during its westward exploration. In the mid-19th century, the area that is now North Dakota became part of the Dakota Territory, which encompassed both present-day North and South Dakota. The Homestead Act of 1862 encouraged settlement in the Great Plains. Many pioneers, including European immigrants, sought a better life by claiming land and establishing farms. Tensions between settlers and Native American tribes, particularly the Dakota Sioux, led to conflicts like the Dakota War of 1862. This conflict resulted in significant changes to the relationship between the U.S. government and indigenous peoples. North Dakota and South Dakota were admitted to the Union as separate states on the same day, November 2, 1889. The two states were the first created from the Dakota Territory. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl of the 1930s brought economic challenges and environmental devastation to North Dakota. The discovery of oil in the Williston Basin in the mid-20th century brought economic prosperity to the state. North Dakota has developed a unique cultural identity that celebrates its indigenous heritage, agricultural roots, and pioneering spirit with events like the Norsk Høstfest.
The Geography of North Dakota
The geography of North Dakota is characterized by its vast open spaces. North Dakota is bordered by Montana, South Dakota and Minnesota. The majority of North Dakota is part of the Great Plains, a vast expanse of flat or gently rolling land. The Missouri River flows through North Dakota, offering both a water resource and scenic beauty. In the western part of the state, you'll find the dramatic Badlands region, characterized by rugged terrain, eroded buttes, canyons and colorful rock formations. Theodore Roosevelt National Park showcases the beauty of the Badlands. While the eastern part of the state features relatively flat terrain, the western portion includes the rolling hills of the Missouri Plateau. North Dakota has numerous lakes and wetlands, particularly in the northeastern part of the state. Devils Lake, one of the largest natural lakes in the state, is known for its fluctuating water levels. The Bakken Formation, underlying parts of western North Dakota, contains significant oil reserves. North Dakota's urban areas include cities like Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forks. The state also shares a border with Canada to the north, which provides international trade and travel.
North Dakota Relocation Guide
A map of North Dakota will show you that it is a sparsely populated state in the upper Midwest on the Canadian border. What a map won't show you is that North Dakota can be a truly amazing place to live. It contains the geographic center of the North American Continent. It is known for bitterly cold winter weather and an agricultural economic base. The largest cities are Fargo, and the capital which is Bismarck. The state population is approximately 780,000, making it the fourth least populated in the nation. North Dakota has some of the lowest crime rankings of all 50 states, making it a very safe place to live. North Dakota has 15 colleges and universities, and four tribal community colleges. 83% of residents have a high school education or better.
Commuting in the majority of cities in North Dakota can be difficult, as public transportation is not readily available. Only 2% of the workforce travels to work by these means, while a full 25% walks or rides a bike. Mean commuting time is a mere 16 minutes. North Dakota generally trails the average mean income a bit, but the cost of living also tends to be lower than in many states, making it an economical place to live. The median cost of a home is $195,000 with 66% of families owning their own homes. The unemployment rate is under 3%. Most jobs are in agriculture, petroleum and food processing. Wind energy production is poised to become a larger component of the state's economy.
