Happy National North Dakota Day! Today we observe the 39th state to join the union back on November 2, 1889.
This midwestern U.S. state dominated by the Great Plains. Its eastern city of Fargo showcases Native American and modern art at the Plains Art Museum. The state is also nicknamed The Flickertail State, The Roughrider State, The 701, Heaven and Norse Dakota.
The area's immigrant history is honored at the Scandinavian Heritage Association in the city of Minot. The Great Plains give way to the rugged Badlands near the border with Montana, where Theodore Roosevelt National Park spans the Little Missouri River.
Long before Lewis and Clark traveled up the Missouri River, the Native American Mandan tribe of the Great Plains, the Siouan people, Hidatsa and Arikara (also known as Sahnish, Arikaree or Hundi), arrived in North Dakota.
During the Corps of Discovery, the team camped at Fort Mandan along the Missouri River for the winter. Here, their translators, Lemhi Shoshone woman Sacagawea and French Canadian explorer and trader Toussaint Charbonneau, joined the expedition.
Sacagawea would also give birth to her son, Native American-French Canadian explorer, guide, fur trapper trader, military scout alcalde and gold digger Jean Baptiste Charbonneau.
As the settlement expanded, disputes over land increased. Fort Abraham Lincoln preserves the home of United States Army officer and cavalry commander Gen. George and his wife, American author and public speaker Elizabeth "Libbie" Bacon Custer, the military commissary, blockhouses, and the Mandan Indian Village along the Missouri River.
American statesman, politician, conservationist, naturalist, and writer Theodore Roosevelt arrived in North Dakota in 1883 and fell in love with badlands and outdoor life. He would later be elected the 26th U.S. President and served from 1901 to 1909.
His love of the badlands led to his conservation and preservation efforts. The North Dakota Badlands are named Theodore Roosevelt National Park in his name.
"I have always said I would not have been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota." ~Theodore Roosevelt
In the heart of the Badlands…
In the heart of the badlands, Medora came to life and today recreates the western life with entertainment in an outdoor amphitheater. Visit the Cowboy Hall of Fame and so much more in Medora.
When statehood crested the horizon, South Dakota was also in line for admission. American politician, lawyer and 23rd U.S.President Benjamin Harrison signed the bills at random, and nothing was recorded indicating which bill was endorsed first.
However, due to alphabetical order, North Dakota is listed as the thirty-ninth state to be admitted to the union.
Beyond historical sites, North Dakota boasts a healthy amount of scenic byways. Kayak down the Pembina Gorge or visit the International Peace Gardens. While you’re there, take a hike into the Turtle Mountains.
Camp at Devil’s Lake or tour any one of the many wineries and vineyards. Visit Sheyenne State Forest and seek out the only waterfall in the state.
Garrison Dam is the fifth largest earthen dam in the world and Lake Sakakawea‘s year-round fishing and recreation is an angler’s dream. At night, the skies reveal stars never seen before, and the Northern Lights dance with delight.
North Dakota is also where National Day Calendar® can #CelebrateEveryDay! As the home of National Day Calendar® in Mandan, North Dakota, it’s their favorite place to be!
HOW TO OBSERVE
Join National Day Calendar® as they seek the legendary in North Dakota. Explore the prairies and the badlands. Discover the fantastic people, exciting places, and untold history. Share where you explore and use #NationalNorthDakotaDay to post on social media.
Hidden Treasures
We also observe these famous figures of whom were born in North Dakota of whom are still recognized today for their past accomplishments, heroics, talents, ingenuity and innovations: Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, Madeline Gleason, Lawrence Welk, Louis L'amour, Andrew Freeman, Harold Schafer, Eric Sevareid, Peggy Lee, Metha Parisien Bercier, Angie Dickinson, Phil Hansen, Josh Duhamel, Travis Hafner, Carson Wentz and Cara Mund.
Visit the link below to see those of notable birth who were not mentioned on the list above:
Here's to The Peace Garden State!
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