Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck, North Dakota

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.

High Points

Bismarck strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in North Dakota):

Category	Trophy
Short Commute Times (vs. Peers)	Top 1%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. State)	Top 3%
College Educated Adults (vs. State)	Top 4%
Low Violent Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 8%
Median Family Income (vs. State)	Top 9%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 9%
People in Middle Class or Better (vs. State)	Top 11%
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. State)	Top 12%
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 13%

Comparative Profile of Bismarck, ND

Comparing Bismarck to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in North Dakota (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Age of the Population
Senior Citizens
Well-Paid Single Women
Well-Paid Single Men
Female Share of the Population
Male Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Racial Diversity

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Working at Home
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Rents
People Living Alone
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Property Taxes

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Bismarck Almanac

Bismarck Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Bismarck Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Bismarck residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Bismarck, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Bismarck Hospitals

ST ALEXIUS MEDICAL CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Church)
900 E BROADWAY
(701) 530-7000
Emergency Service: Yes

MEDCENTER ONE
(Voluntary non-profit - Private)
300 N 7TH ST
(701) 323-6000
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Bismarck

Bismarck High Schools (2004)

BISMARCK HIGH SCHOOL
800 N 8TH ST
701-221-3500
Serves 1,412 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 18

CENTURY HIGH SCHOOL
1000 E CENTURY AVE
701-221-3545
Serves 1,103 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 16.7

SOUTH CENTRAL ALTERNATIVE
806 N WASHINGTON ST
701-221-3790
Serves 97 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 12.9

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