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Bismarck, North Dakota

North Dakota's capital city on the Missouri River, Bismarck was named for German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck to attract German immigrant investment in the Northern Pacific Railroad. It served as the gateway to the northern Great Plains and the Dakota Territory capital before statehood.
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Founded 1872 | Population 76,000 | Peak 76,000 (2024) | County Burleigh County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Bismarck, North Dakota

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1872Founded: Camp Hancock was established as a military post protecting railroad workers building the Northern Pacific Railway.
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1883Territorial Capital: Bismarck became the capital of the Dakota Territory, hosting the constitutional convention.
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1889Statehood: North Dakota achieved statehood with Bismarck as its capital.
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1930State Capitol Built: The iconic Art Deco "Skyscraper on the Prairie" state capitol building was completed after the original burned.
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2011Missouri River Flood: Record flooding on the Missouri River threatened Bismarck, requiring massive sandbagging and evacuation efforts.
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Latest News in Bismarck

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Complete Historical Timeline

1872 Government
Founded
1883 Government
Territorial Capital
1889 Government
Statehood
1930 Culture
State Capitol Built
2011 Disaster
Missouri River Flood

Did You Know?

1
Named after German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck to attract German railroad investment.
2
The Bakken oil boom made Bismarck one of the fastest-growing state capitals.
3
North Dakota's second-largest city after Fargo.
4
Bismarck is located in Burleigh County, North Dakota.
5
Bismarck was founded in 1872.
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