Sarah Walker

In the early 1800s, the government had to figure out what to do with people already claiming land in the West. On this date in 1820, Congress passed the Land Act, allowing settlers to purchase the land they had claimed. They could buy 160 acres at $1.25 per acre. The Land Act made it possible for people of modest means to purchase land and settle down. It also marked the beginning of an organized effort to settle the West.

It’s basketball tournament time! For over 100 years, basketball has been a cornerstone of North Dakota’s sporting scene—uniting players, fans, and entire communities in the pursuit of victory. Join us as we celebrate the history of basketball in the region, through Dakota Datebook!

It's basketball tournament time! For over 100 years, basketball has been a cornerstone of North Dakota's sports scene—uniting players, fans, and entire towns in the pursuit of victory. Join us as we celebrate the history of basketball in the region through Dakota Datebook!

It's basketball tournament time! For over 100 years, basketball has been a cornerstone of North Dakota's sporting scene, uniting players, fans, and entire towns in the pursuit of victory. Join us as we celebrate the history of basketball in the region through Dakota Datebook!

It's basketball tournament time! For over 100 years, basketball has been a cornerstone of North Dakota's sports scene—uniting players, fans, and entire towns in the pursuit of victory. Join us as we celebrate the history of basketball in the region through Dakota Datebook!

On this date in 1931, the Bismarck Tribune reported on "local swains who flooded the mails here… with dulcet missives protesting unbounded love for their lady-loves" in honor of Valentine’s Day.

North Dakota is no stranger to severe weather, and winter often provides plenty of opportunities for it. In early February of 1922, one of the heaviest snowfalls of the season moved south from Winnipeg, affecting North Dakota and other states.

Winter in North Dakota can be a challenge, but it also offers great experiences and traditions. Dakota Datebook joins the celebration of winter as we recognize Vinterfest!

In 1897, under the advice of her father, eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of the New York Sun asking if there was a Santa Claus.

Today is the Dakota Bowl! This iconic game day celebrates high school football, with teams from across the state coming together for a full day of championship action. The event, first held in 1993 at the Fargodome, changed the football landscape in North Dakota by bringing all class championship games together in one day.