Sitting Bull to Phil Jackson, cattle to prairie dogs, knoephla to lefse. North Dakota's legacy includes many strange stories of eccentric towns, war heroes, and various colorful characters. Hear all about them on Dakota Datebook, your daily dose of North Dakota history.
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Dakota Datebook is made in partnership with the State Historical Society of North Dakota, and funded by Humanities North Dakota, a nonprofit, independent state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the program do not necessarily reflect those of Humanities North Dakota or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
You can find all Dakota Datebooks from 2018-today below. Our archive of Datebooks from 2003-2017 can be found here.
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There is much unknown about the life of Sacagawea before Meriwether Lewis and William Clark arrived in her village on their way to the Pacific Ocean. Their Corps of Discovery was mapping the vast expanse of land the United States had recently purchased from France. They took her husband on as a translator, and Sacagawea accompanied them. She became an important member of the expedition, teaching the Corps how to gather plants for food, make leather clothes and moccasins, and helping them obtain horses to cross the Rocky Mountains. -
When North Dakota ratified its constitution in 1889, it included a provision for a forestry school. However, it took time to establish the school. In 1894, state residents voted to locate the North Dakota School of Forestry in Bottineau. Progress was slow, and by 1906, no school had yet been built. The residents of Bottineau took matters into their own hands, raising $8,000—worth over $250,000 today—and donating 15 acres of land. The North Dakota School of Forestry opened in January 1907 with 30 students.
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Winter is a time for many to slow down and relax by visiting family and friends during the holidays. However, one group of people is not slowing down—they're just getting started. With the arrival of snow, ice, and wind, the dedicated workers who plan, coordinate, and remove the snow are hard at work, ensuring North Dakotans can continue their holidays and stay safe while traveling.
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If you look at the ingredients in some foods, especially candy, you might spot Blue Number 2 on the list. While natural red dye comes from bugs, Blue Number 2 has a different origin—it was first extracted from coal, specifically lignite coal, which is commonly found in the western portion of North Dakota.
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In January 1857, a survey party left St. Cloud, Minnesota, bound for the headwaters of the Red River. Despite winter hazards, they were determined to beat rivals to the region. The expedition was led by French-Chippewa guides Charles and Pierre Bottineau. Pierre, known as the Kit Carson of the Northwest, was a famous frontiersman and surveyor.
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North Dakota was still a brand-new state in January 1890. One of the first orders of business was a bill introduced in the state legislature to establish the North Dakota Agricultural College and Experimental Station. Plans moved quickly, and the bill was passed and signed by the governor in March. The college opened on January 3, 1892, with 123 students.
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Dakota Territory was settled by a diverse population as people moved west to the Great Plains. Historian Stephanie Roper notes that, “Although Black people were never numerous, they entered the territory with the first white settlers and made a significant contribution to the land and its people.” After the Civil War, many freed slaves took advantage of the Homestead Act and moved to Dakota Territory to start new lives.
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Winter in North Dakota can be challenging, but it also offers great experiences and traditions. Today’s datebook joins the celebration of winter with Vinterfest, in partnership with the Northern Plains National Heritage Area and the Sons of Norway Sverdrup, during January and February.
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Birdwatching has become a popular pastime. Birdwatchers are convinced that birds have intrinsic value and that protecting them is essential. However, enthusiasm doesn’t always lead to social consensus. Elected officials answer to voters, and corporate executives answer to shareholders. University of Utah ornithologist Cagan Sekercioglu says that to influence policymakers, it’s crucial to “offer credible research showing that healthy bird populations are essential to human welfare.”
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Modern Woodmen of America is the third-largest fraternal benefit society in terms of assets and has grown to over 700,000 members. The name was inspired by pioneer woodmen who “cleared forests to build homes and communities and provide security for their families.”
Dakota Datebook is made in partnership with the State Historical Society of North Dakota, and funded by Humanities North Dakota, a nonprofit, independent state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the program do not necessarily reflect those of Humanities North Dakota or the National Endowment for the Humanities.