Sarah Walker

The first official offices of the State Historical Society were located in the basement of the original Capitol building. The rooms were described as “small” and filled with various “mementoes and records of early days, souvenirs of the pioneer and other curios,” all “compressed” into limited space. These items were referred to as “records of inestimable value…stacked in heaps in places around the state house, where they were constantly exposed to the danger of destruction by fire.” This was especially concerning since many people smoked freely in the capitol building at that time.

October is Archives Month, during which archives across the country celebrate their records and recognize the archivists who assess, collect, organize, preserve, and provide access to information of lasting value. The North Dakota State Archives is part of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

October is Archives Month, a time when archives across the country celebrate the records in their holdings and recognize the archivists who assess, collect, organize, preserve, and provide access to information of lasting value. The North Dakota State Archives is part of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

In the early morning of Sunday, December 28th, 1930, the North Dakota State Capitol building burned down. People capture this historic and momentous event on film and in photos. Newspapers across the state reported on it.

In the early 1900s, Frank Slatky served as one of Minot’s street commissioners. Some of the details of his job were noted in local reports. He initiated a night patrol to check the town’s electric lights and ensure they were working properly. During flooding, he helped construct a passageway across the Mouse River. An article in the Ward County Independent praised his “very good work” on the road leading to the Minot Flouring Mill.

In 1912, political fervor and interest swept the country over the presidential election. President Taft sought the Republican nomination, challenged by former President Theodore Roosevelt, who unexpectedly entered the race. Senator Robert LaFollette was yet another contender for the nomination.

After Congress established the US mint in 1792, the penny became one of the first circulating coins. The first penny was larger than a modern quarter, with an image of “Liberty” on one side and a chain of 15 links on the obverse. This coin underwent multiple changes over the years.

The townsite of Beach was established when the Northern Pacific Railroad built a section house there in 1881. However, it wasn’t until 1900 when settlement really started to happen.

Leading up to the June 11 primary, we've been celebrating democracy in North Dakota history. Today, we learn about Arthur G. Sorlie, of Grand Forks, who was endorsed by the Nonpartisan League to become governor in 1924.

Leading up to the June 11 primary, we're celebrating democracy in North Dakota history. Today, we learn about the Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction.