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The land now known as North Dakota was once home principally to the Mandan tribe of Native Americans,
and included the Arikara and Hidatsa peoples. Additional tribes who ventured into the region included
nomadic tribes such as the Sioux (also known as the Dakota or Lakota nation), Cheyenne, Cree, and Crow,
Ojibwa, and Assiniboin peoples. These tribes either farmed or hunted and gathered from approximately
2000 B.C. to 1860. Their reliance on buffalo endured until the introduction of the horse by Europeans.
European explorers encountered this Northern Plains land in the 18th century. Fur trading became of
great importance in the region, with several European nations vying for control of the area. In 1803,
the northwestern portion of North Dakota became part of the United States via the Louisiana Purchase.
Following the establishment of the Canadian border at the 49th parallel, the southeastern portion of
North Dakota became part of the U.S. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the area in 1804.
Trading posts proliferated in the Red River Valley, from the North West and Hudson’s Bay Companies.
Throughout much of the 19th century, the Native Americans and traders maintained peace and relied upon
each other for commerce. Sadly, the advent of smallpox from settlers wreaked havoc upon the Mandans.
The latter half of the 19th century brought changes to North Dakota. The first permanent farming
community in the area was established in 1851, at Pembina. The region was included in the Dakota
Territory at that time; the territory encompassed North and South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. In
1857, military posts were established, beginning with Fort Abercrombie. Tragically, the buffalo were
all but extinguished from the land, and with them passed a way of life for Native Americans. Battles
with the Sioux erupted in the 1860s, and despite treaties, conflict raged between whites and the Sioux.
The discovery of gold in 1876 in the Black Hills further challenged the situation. Following the
annihilation of Col. George A. Custer’s force at the Little Big Horn River in Montana Territory, the
Sioux leader Chief Sitting Bull moved to Canada along with many other Sioux. They were returned to
the U.S. to reservations.
Ranching began in earnest in North Dakota in 1878. The coming of railroads brought many thousands
of European immigrants to the region, many who homesteaded, but also several who worked bonanza wheat
fields. On November 2, 1889, North Dakota became a U.S. state.
The early 20th century brought changes in livelihood to the state. Industry took hold, and political
struggles were the order of the day. In the 1920s, the collapse of wartime grain prices heralded the
beginning of difficult times, culminating with the Great Depression of the 1930s. Prosperity returned
to the state after World War II. The state experienced an "oil rush" in the 1950s.
Modernization continued apace with highways, military bases, and communications. The state still
experiences fluctuation in wheat and petroleum prices, marking its vulnerability to these economic
resources. However, North Dakota’s urbanization has increased. The 21st century now witnesses
increased telecommunications and high-tech manufacturing in the state. The Peace Garden State
continues to rely on its self determination and popular control, assets which will surely aid in a
bright future.
North Dakota has been home to many famous individuals, including sculptor John Bernard Flannagan,
humanitarians Elizabeth Bodine and Dr. Anne Carlsen, actors Angie Dickinson, Phyllis Frelich, Ann
Sothern, writer William H. Gass, singer Peggy Lee, representative William Lemke, band leader and
entertainer Lawrence Welk, statesman Warren Christopher, baseball player Roger Maris, and entertainer
Bobby Vee, among many others.
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