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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North Dakota was sweltering during the summer of 1930. The state was in the grip of an oppressive heatwave. Heat and humidity had caused extreme discomfort for several days. Temperatures hovered in the high 90s, and the humidity made things even worse. Hettinger was the hottest spot in the state, hitting 101 degrees. Other towns weren’t far behind. Beach and Grand Forks recorded 99, and Williston reached 98. North Dakotans were getting tired of the heat. -
Leif Erickson led the first European expedition to North America around the year 1000. It’s difficult to determine how far inland they traveled, and their settlements were abandoned after a short time. Many centuries passed before Scandinavians began arriving in the New World in large numbers.
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On this date in 1874, Brave Bear and three companions arrived in Jamestown and caroused with Henry Belland, an interpreter and guide assigned to Fort Totten. Belland later informed authorities that the men had boasted of killing some Chippewas up north and even showed him a fresh scalp.
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Happy Fourth! In 1881, Independence Day celebrations were dampened by news of President James A. Garfield’s critical condition, following an assassination attempt two days earlier.
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Rodney Kephart was born in Spencer, Iowa, on this date in 1917. He and his family later moved to North Dakota.
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As settlers and prospectors moved into Dakota Territory, conflicts increased between the newcomers and the people who had long called the Great Plains home. The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 was an attempt to reduce that conflict and allow for free passage through Native American lands. The treaty established territory for the exclusive use of different tribes. Unfortunately, the terms began to unravel almost immediately. The United States lacked the resources to stop the flow of prospectors and settlers.
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The term “Great American Desert” can be traced back to the 1820 scientific expedition of Stephen H. Long. At the time, the word “desert” was used to describe any treeless area. Long was not impressed with the promise of the High Plains. He saw the region as barren and lacking potential for agriculture. His assessment was that the land was unsuitable for settlement and discouraged westward migration.
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In honor of June being National Adopt-a-Cat Month, we’re sharing a few stories today of our furry friends from years past.
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Downtown Fargo is instantly recognizable thanks to the iconic marquee of the Fargo Theatre, which casts the word “FARGO” in glowing lights across Broadway each night. Less than a block away is another beloved landmark, the distinctive sign for the White Banner Uniform Shop. With its black-and-white, angular Mid-Century Modern flair, the sign has been a visual staple of Broadway since at least the 1950s, earning its place as perhaps the second most iconic sign in Fargo.
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The American Legion is the largest veteran’s organization in the nation and has been a part of North Dakota since 1919. Each year members from across the state gather for their annual Department Convention, where the business of the organization is conducted, and officers are elected for the new year. In 1935, Grand Forks hosted the event, and it was a grand affair.
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.