Introduction to Bismarck North Dakota
Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota and is situated on the Missouri Plateau in Burleigh County. The city features the historic neighborhood known as the Cathedral District. Primarily due to manufacturing, health care and retail businesses, Bismarck is recognized as the economic nucleus of south-central North Dakota.
History
The area was established in 1872 and named Edwinton as a tribute to Edwin M. Johnson, who was a prominent engineer for the Northern Pacific Railway company. Before a year went by the town was renamed Bismarck after the German chancellor Otto Von Bismarck in order to entice German immigrants to move to the town. The city experienced significant growth beginning in 1874 due to gold being discovered in the Black Hills. Bismarck was established as the capital of North Dakota in 1889.
The vast majority of the city was destroyed by a fire in 1898. Two noteworthy luxurious hotels, the Grand Pacific Hotel and the Hotel McKenzie were built during the rebuilding process. In 1930 the capital building was ruined by a fire. The new capital building was finished in 1934 and dominated the landscape. Bismarck prospered and had significant growth throughout the 1950's.
Transportation
The city is served by the Bismarck Municipal Airport. The Capital Area Transit System provides bus transportation.
Activities
The Missouri River is a popular fishing location. There are numerous parks in the city. The Lewis and Clark Riverboat is a paddle wheel riverboat which provides cruises on the Missouri River.
Attractions
- Sertoma Park
- Bismarck Art and Galleries Association
- Buckstop Junction Missouri Valley Fairgrounds
- Camp Hancock
- Chief Looking's Village
- The Dakota Zoo
- Ft. Abraham Lincoln Sate Park
- The Double Ditch Indian Village showcases the remains of a Mandan Indian earth lodge village
- The Old Governor's Mansion is a Victorian style home and carriage house and has been designated a state historic site
- North Dakota Heritage Center is the largest museum in North Dakota. It features Indian artifacts, agricultural and military history. The Sakakawea Statue is situated close to the entrance of the center. Sakakawea was a guide for the Lewis and Clark expedition.
- North Dakota State Capital was constructed with unique types of wood and materials brought from numerous states and countries.
- Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame is located in the State Capital.
Higher Education
Bismarck is home to the University of Mary, a satellite campus of Aakers College, Bismarck State College and the United Tribes Technical College.
