County names and boundaries have evolved since territorial days in North Dakota, and each of our 53 counties has a unique story that enriches the history of the state. Dunn County’s story is one such example.
Created by the territorial legislature in 1883, the county was named after John Piatt Dunn, an early business and civic leader in Bismarck. Dunn opened North Dakota’s first drug store and arrived in the state in 1872. Dunn County organized its government on February 10, 1908, with Manning selected as the county seat.
Unfortunately, no Dunn County newspapers from around that date exist in the State Archives’ collection to chronicle the momentous event, but the Dickinson Press did note the government formation in its February 15 issue. Meeting in a building owned by W. P. Owens, all newly elected county commissioners and a large group of voters were present for the organizational meeting.
The first order of business was organizing the county into commission districts, which went smoothly. The district overseen by Commissioner Connolly included the townships north of the boundary line between townships 144 and 145. Commissioner Kovash’s district covered the southwestern part of the county, while Commissioner Lewis oversaw the southeastern townships. Commission Chairman Connolly and Auditor T. Leroy Evans were tasked with soliciting bids for a contract to transcribe the county’s records, which were to be opened in Dickinson on February 19. Walker Brothers and Hardy received the contract for the county record books.
Schools were the next agenda item, with Chairman Connolly’s commission district divided into two school districts. A petition to form a school in Commissioner Lewis’s district was granted, while other petitions to form schools were to be considered at a later time. The final major item of business noted in the article was the selection of the Dunn County News as the official newspaper of the county.
County formation was an important part of the state’s development, and many years of boundary changes, county creations, and dissolutions across North Dakota have led to its 53 unique political subdivisions. As population shifts within the state, we may someday see the number of counties change. One thing remains certain: counties are the foundation of our government and play an important role in our daily lives.
Dakota Datebook by Daniel Sauerwein
Sources:
- “Welcome to Dunn County, ND.” 2025. Dunncountynd.gov. 2025. https://dunncountynd.gov/about-us.
- Eriksmoen, Curtis. North Dakota Centennial Blue Book, 1889-1989. Bismarck, ND: Published by Legislative authority, 1989, 485.
- The Dickinson press. (Dickinson, ND), Feb. 15 1908. https://www.loc.gov/item/sn88076013/1908-02-15/ed-1/.
- Dunn County, North Dakota Plat & Directory. Clear Lake, IA:Farm and Home Publishers, 2024, 4.