Rivertorch (talk | contribs) rv good-faith edits: unsourced extraordinary claim. See talk |
Global.Geo.Historic.Data (talk | contribs) |
||
(34 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
Line 69: | Line 69: | ||
==History== |
==History== |
||
{{Main|History of Bismarck, North Dakota}} |
{{Main|History of Bismarck, North Dakota}} |
||
At a place once known as Missouri Crossing, the city that would become present-day Bismarck was founded in 1872 and given the name Edwinton, in honor of Edwin Ferry Johnson (1803–1872), a distinguished civil engineer who was engineer-in-chief for the |
At a place once known as Missouri Crossing, the city that would become present-day Bismarck was founded in 1872 and given the name Edwinton, in honor of Edwin Ferry Johnson (1803–1872), a distinguished civil engineer who was engineer-in-chief for the Northern Pacific Railway from June 1866 to November 1870. In 1873 the Northern Pacific Railway changed the city's name to Bismarck, after the German chancellor Otto von Bismarck, in an effort to attract German immigrants to settle along its route. But the discovery of gold in the nearby Black Hills in 1874 was the first real impetus for growth. |
||
Bismarck became the capital of the Dakota Territory in 1883 and of the state of North Dakota in 1889. Bismarck was known back then for being an outlaw town with no laws and no limits. Bismarck also was a place where the beauty of North Dakota is said to begin and a said to be a place of peace and growing success. The survival of Bismarck was dependent on that of Northern Pacific, which survived bankruptcy and continued the railroad. Upon emerging from bankruptcy, construction immediately commenced on a $1 million bridge to span the Missouri River. The first passenger train crossed the Missouri in 1882, bringing never-ending traffic to the area. The territorial capital of Dakota Territory was moved from Yankton to Bismarck in 1883, putting Bismarck in the national spotlight. Local political boss Alexander McKenzie is credited for achieving the new role for Bismarck. When the Dakota Territory was split into two states North Dakota, and South Dakota, Jamestown, ND was set to be the new state capitol for North Dakota. Bismarck was back then rather an outlaw city causing some citizens of Bismarck to "raid" Jamestown for the state records. When the state records were back in Bismarck, construction on the capitol was completed in 1884, stopping all accusations for the capital city of North Dakota to be moved to Jamestown. The first hospital for the Dakota Territory, Saint Alexius, was founded in 1885. Like most of the country, the 1890s were hard times for North Dakota. The Panic of 1893 was the nation's worst economic hardship to that point, and North Dakota's strong agriculture-based economy was directly affected. To make things worse, Bismarck was struck by a severe fire in August 1898, which destroyed much of the city. After the 1898 fire, Bismarck was forced to rebuild a large portion of the city, including most of its downtown. Buildings from this point onward were built mostly of brick and concrete, and often advertised as "fire proof". |
|||
Two large and luxurious hotel complexes were constructed at this time. Hotel McKenzie, later renamed Patterson Hotel, opened on January 1, 1911, followed by Grand Pacific Hotel in 1912. Both hotels served as Bismarck's largest hotels for decades. Some of the United States own presidents stayed at the famous Patterson Hotel. Political boss Alexander McKenzie first owned the hotel, but was eventually purchased by Edward Patterson, a close friend to McKenzie. The hotel was renamed the Patterson Hotel in 1923. The Patterson would become home to the Non-Partisan League and was well-known as a gathering place for powerful politicians and businessmen. The Patterson secretly served alcohol during prohibition in addition to hosting illegal gambling and prostitutes. The Grand Pacific Hotel opened in 1912, serving as a direct competitor to The Patterson for decades. Grand Pacific attracted more of a family audience than the Patterson. Finney's Drug was located on the first floor of Grand Pacific for most of its tenure. |
|||
The first vehicular bridge in the region to span the Missouri River was completed in 1922. The Liberty Memorial Bridge completed the coast-to-coast link of U.S. Highway 10, and remained the only vehicular bridge within 500 miles for many years. Within two years of its completion, the bridge was seeing 2,000 vehicles per day. |
|||
The state capitol was destroyed by fire on December 28, 1930. The loss totaled $2 million, and North Dakota was faced to construct a new capitol in the midst of the Great Depression. They chose to construct an art deco skyscraper, which would tower over the city at nineteen stories when completed in 1934. With a simple outside look, and with an expensive, glamorous, design on the inside was nicknamed "The Prarie Palace" it would be the tallest building in North Dakota for years to come. Construction of the capitol did not go smoothly, however. Laborers constructing the new capitol went on strike on May 13, 1933. The strike lasted for weeks, and didn't come to an end until the declaration of martial law by Governor William Langer. The new capitol was completed in 1934, but news of its completion was buried beneath that of the removal of Governor William "Wild Bill" Langer, who was found guilty on two felony convictions. The North Dakota Supreme Court ordered Langer out of office, to be replaced with his Lieutenant Governor Ole Olson. As a response, Langer declared North Dakota's succession from the United States, then called a special legislative session, where he would proclaim "I am still your governor" and asked for the impeachment of Ole Olson and the supreme court justices. During World War II, Fort Lincoln, located just south of Bismarck, was converted into an internment camp to house German and Japanese civilians and POWs. It was the largest of such camps in the United States. By the time the camp closed in 1946, more than 4,030 prisoners had been detained there. The camp had initially been established as a military post in 1895 to replace Fort Abraham Lincoln located south of Mandan. The closure of the Garrison Dam occurred in April 1953, one year after the city's major flooding. The dam's completion resulted in the creation of the nation's third largest man-made lake, Lake Sakakawea. For the first time, the city could expand south of the railroad without fears of major flooding. |
|||
For decades, downtown Bismarck served as the regional hub for business, but like most cities, change was around the corner. Interstate 94 was completed in 1965, creating a second vehicular bridge, the Grant Marsh Bridge. The new highway shifted all through traffic to the north, greatly affecting businesses in downtown, which were reliant on U.S. Highway 10 (known as Main Avenue through Bismarck). Kirkwood Mall opened in 1970, forever changing Bismarck's retail trend. Woolworth's and Montgomery Ward were the first major retailers to leave downtown when they anchored Kirkwood. Sears and A.W. Lucas left to anchor Gateway Mall when it opened in 1979. It was also at this time that BEST Products opened its doors in south Bismarck. “JC Penney” was last of the national department stores to leave downtown Bismarck to anchor Kirkwood's new wing in 1980. Kmart was the first discount department store to arrive in October 1971. |
|||
The start of the new millennium brought some of the worst storms ever recorded in the region. Just three years earlier, the worst winter storm since March 1966 buried the region in seventeen inches of snow. The resulting 1996-1997 winter season currently holds the record for the most snowfall recorded. On November 2, 2000, a series of tornadoes touched down in and around the city. The tornadoes caused only limited damage, however it was the latest recorded tornadoes ever in North Dakota. The winter season of 2008–2009 was one of the worst ever recorded in Bismarck’s history, December 2008 recorded more snow than any other single month; and the season itself ended in second place for most snowfall, only 1.4 inches from the all-time record of 1996–1997. |
|||
==Geography== |
==Geography== |
||
Line 107: | Line 120: | ||
}} |
}} |
||
{{Main|Climate of Bismarck, North Dakota}} |
{{Main|Climate of Bismarck, North Dakota}} |
||
The average climate of Bismarck is a periodical change in temperatures though-out the year. Winters in Bismarck are average, usually lasting from the beginning of December through the middle of March. Winters do not freeze the Missouri River but create rather large ice chunks that appear through January and February that may somewhat clog river flow. Winters bring very large amounts of snow but road conditions are still very safe due to the great snow removal services. What residents call "winter after-shock" occurs towards the end of March, at this time all of the snow melts quickly creating allot of leftover water that may take days to disappear. Plant life and animal life do not return until the varied beginning, middle, or end of April. Spring in Bismarck is a time when almost all of the land is a dark green due to the plentiful amount of water. The temperature is very warm and with allot of rainfall. Spring lasts from April to late May. Summer in Bismarck is very hot, usually rainfall occurs from variations of an early morning rain storm or a sparingly dose every few weeks. Summer lasts from late May to the middle of September. This long "hot-spell" attracts many to the river where water recreation is frequent; water-parks and outdoor pools open and attract many since temperatures may soar above 100 degrees Farenheight in July and August. Fall begins in October annually and ends in late November. Since Bismarck is full of trees, leaves fill the streets and may even cause problems. Animals hibernate or migrate out of North Dakota but many urban animals that reside in Bismarck may stay through the winter. Grass remains green until the first snow-fall which may occur as early as the middle of November. Food markets open with the harvested crops and the crops the sell the best to Bismarck residents are corn, watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, pumpkins, and potatoes. Winter begins again annually around the start of December. Blizzards, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail storms, and heavy rainfall are not avoidable in the climate of North Dakota, Bismarck has easily adapted to these occurrences over all. |
|||
Because it is situated in the [[Great Plains]] between the [[Rocky Mountains]] and the [[Great Lakes]], Bismarck possesses a climate similar to both regions,{{Clarify me|date=June 2009}} characterized by long, cold winters with average snowfall,{{Citation needed|date=June 2009}} and warm summers, frequently hot and humid. [[Thunderstorm]]s occur in spring and summer, but in general, the Bismarck climate is quite dry.{{Vague|date=June 2009}} |
|||
The warmest month in Bismarck is July, where high and low temperatures average 85°F (29 °C) and 56 °F (14 °C) respectively. The coldest month is January, at 21 °F (-6 °C) and -1 °F (-18 °C). The wettest month is June, with 65.8 mm (2.59 in) of precipitation, and the driest month is December, averaging just 11 mm (0.44 in). The city receives an average of about {{convert|17|in|mm}} of rain and {{convert|41|in|mm}} of snow per year. |
The warmest month in Bismarck is July, where high and low temperatures average 85°F (29 °C) and 56 °F (14 °C) respectively. The coldest month is January, at 21 °F (-6 °C) and -1 °F (-18 °C). The wettest month is June, with 65.8 mm (2.59 in) of precipitation, and the driest month is December, averaging just 11 mm (0.44 in). The city receives an average of about {{convert|17|in|mm}} of rain and {{convert|41|in|mm}} of snow per year. |
||
The highest temperature ever recorded in Bismarck was 114 °F (45 °C), on July 6, 1936.[2] The temperature has reached or exceeded 110 °F (43 °C) in Bismarck a total of five times in recorded weather history. |
|||
The 1990s were a very moist period for Bismarck. The earlier part of the decade was documented for heavy snowfall as the snowiest winter on record in Bismarck was the winter of 1993-94, when 91.7 inches (2.33 m) of snow fell, including a late-season 8.5 in (220 mm) snowfall on April 26, 1994. The later half of the decade was noted for heavy rainfall as 4.63 inches (118 mm) of rain fell, the most rain ever received in a standard 24 hour day, on August 21, 1998. In addition, just one year later, the second highest 24-hour rainfall occurred on August 12, 1999 with 4.48 inches. |
|||
{{clear}} |
{{clear}} |
||
{| class="wikitable" "text-align:center;font-size:90%;"| |
{| class="wikitable" "text-align:center;font-size:90%;"| |
||
Line 241: | Line 258: | ||
The [[Bismarck Public Schools]] system operates 15 [[elementary school]]s, three [[middle school]]s (Simle, Wachter, Horizon), two [[public high school]]s ([[Century High School (Bismarck, North Dakota)|Century High]] and [[Bismarck High School|Bismarck High]]) and one alternative high school (South Central High School). The system educates 10,400 students and employs 1,500 people. |
The [[Bismarck Public Schools]] system operates 15 [[elementary school]]s, three [[middle school]]s (Simle, Wachter, Horizon), two [[public high school]]s ([[Century High School (Bismarck, North Dakota)|Century High]] and [[Bismarck High School|Bismarck High]]) and one alternative high school (South Central High School). The system educates 10,400 students and employs 1,500 people. |
||
Three Bismarck Catholic parishes operate three [[primary school]]s ([[kindergarten]] through eighth grade): St. Mary's Grade School, St. Anne's Grade School, and Cathedral Grade School. St. Mary's Grade School, founded in 1878, is the oldest continuously operating elementary school in North Dakota. |
Three Bismarck Catholic parishes operate three [[primary school]]s ([[kindergarten]] through eighth grade): St. Mary's Grade School, St. Anne's Grade School, and Cathedral Grade School. [[St. Mary's Grade School]], founded in 1878, is the oldest continuously operating elementary school in North Dakota. |
||
The city has two [[private high school]]s, [[St. Mary's Central High School]] and Shiloh Christian School. |
The city has two [[private high school]]s, [[St. Mary's Central High School]] and Shiloh Christian School. |
||
Line 250: | Line 267: | ||
==Culture== |
==Culture== |
||
{{Expand|section|date=February 2007}} |
{{Expand|section|date=February 2007}} |
||
[[File:Sakakawea-statue-bismarck-nd-2004.jpg]] |
|||
The Belle Mehus [[Auditorium]], a historic building in downtown Bismarck dating to 1914, is a center for the arts in the metropolitan area. Performances of Northern Plains Dance and [[Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra]] are held there. |
|||
Bismarck culture is always changing and is always seasonal. During the winter months, Bismarck is decorated with Christmas decor (particularly downtown Bismarck) and many Christmas related events are held to this day. The capital building's rooms are arranged each Christmas season for the light to be left on so that the light may shine through the windows and to the people outside, the lit windows appear to form a Christmas tree. The Governor’s residence’s trees are decorated with lights. All through out Bismarck homes are decorated for Christmas, few homes surprisingly lack Christmas decor showing everyone how important Christmas is to the people of Bismarck. People of Bismarck take time to enjoy the winter months by stopping by tea shops more frequently and participating and improving their ice skating, skiing, hockey playing, and even snow-boarding abilities. Winter has greatly affected the culture of Bismarck in a positive way. Spring is a time where the people of Bismarck enjoy the return of plant and animal life. Summer is full of parades and sporting events and the river is alive with the people of Bismarck. Summer time is when fireworks are failed to be controlled and Pow-Wows (a Native American celebration) take place. The largest at [[United Tribes Technical College]]. During the fall Halloween is very important to the culture of Bismarck. Children participate in non-Christian activities regardless of the Christian demands of the holy day November 1st. Thanksgiving is celebrated and there is almost no businesses open. The youth of Bismarck enjoy the [[Grand Theater]] and skate parks and teen-inspired gathering places. Seniors are respected and Native American culture is never forgotten. Although Christian culture has affected much of Bismarck's culture Bismarck is very respectful to other religions although a Bismarck culture is clearly Christian based. The Belle Mehus [[Auditorium]], a historic building in downtown Bismarck dating to 1914, is a center for the arts in the metropolitan area. Performances of Northern Plains Dance and [[Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra]] are held there. Food is very distinctive in Bismarck. Restraunts prepare original North Dakota inspired meals while Mexican, Chinese, French, Cajun, and German inspired restraunts "battle" for late night customers. The most famous dish from Bismarck culture is "Kneophla Soup" and "Kougen". |
|||
Theater companies in Bismarck include Sleepy Hollow Summer Theatre,<ref>[http://shst.org/ Sleepy Hollow Summer Theatre website]</ref> the Shade Tree Players children's theater group,<ref>[http://shadetreeplayers.com/ Shade Tree Players website]</ref> Dakota Stage Ltd,<ref>[http://www.dakotastageltd.com/ Dakota Stage Ltd website]</ref> University of Mary, Bismarck State College, and various high school groups. The Gannon and Elsa Forde Art Galleries are at Bismarck State College. The Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra, founded in 2000, is the community's newest orchestra and performs a variety of musical genres. |
Theater companies in Bismarck include Sleepy Hollow Summer Theatre,<ref>[http://shst.org/ Sleepy Hollow Summer Theatre website]</ref> the Shade Tree Players children's theater group,<ref>[http://shadetreeplayers.com/ Shade Tree Players website]</ref> Dakota Stage Ltd,<ref>[http://www.dakotastageltd.com/ Dakota Stage Ltd website]</ref> University of Mary, Bismarck State College, and various high school groups. The Gannon and Elsa Forde Art Galleries are at Bismarck State College. The Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra, founded in 2000, is the community's newest orchestra and performs a variety of musical genres. |
||
The signifigance of Bismarck culture is realized because of its difference from other cultures in North Dakota. Bismarck is one of the few places in North Dakota where life and nature protection are important to an urban city. Bismarck is rooted with the respect of nature that the Native Americans have. Much of Bismarck's residents are considered to be very kind or friendly. With monuments everywhere you look to remind residents of their culture, Bismarck is a living museum. Monuments for the Lewis and Clark Expidition can be found on the banks of the Missouri River. Monuments to the Native American mythical creature, the[[Thunder Bird]] can be found also along the banks of the river. Reconstructed River Boats now reside in Bismarck for residents to come and enjoy their past form of transportation. With the peace and unity of the three dominate cultures of Bismarck, [[Native American Culture]], the [[Catechism of the Catholic Church ]], and of course [[Popular culture]], Bismarck is truely a place full of culture |
|||
===Recreation=== |
===Recreation=== |
||
[[File:NDSkatePark.jpg|thumb|250px|School-age youth in a free [[skatepark]] built by the city Park District.]] |
[[File:NDSkatePark.jpg|thumb|250px|School-age youth in a free [[skatepark]] built by the city Park District.]] |
||
Line 277: | Line 296: | ||
{{Main|Media in Bismarck-Mandan}} |
{{Main|Media in Bismarck-Mandan}} |
||
===Print=== |
===Print=== |
||
The only daily newspaper in Bismarck is the ''[[Bismarck Tribune]]''. |
The only daily newspaper in Bismarck is the ''[[Bismarck Tribune]]''. The paper was established in 1873 and is the oldest continuously operating business in the city. The Tribune's first claim to fame was the 1876 report of George Custer's last stand at the Little Bighorn. In 1938 the paper won a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service after publishing a series of articles called "Self-Help in the Dust Bowl. "The ''Tribune'' is the official newspaper of the city of Bismarck, [[Burleigh County, North Dakota|Burleigh County]], and the state of [[North Dakota]].<ref>[http://www.bismarcktribune.com/home/contactus/ ''Bismarck Tribune'' information]</ref> The daily newspapers of other major cities in North Dakota are also available at area newsstands. |
||
===Television=== |
===Television=== |
Revision as of 02:37, 25 January 2010
City of Bismarck | |
---|---|
Country | United States |
State | North Dakota |
County | Burleigh |
Founded | 1872 |
Government | |
• Mayor | John Warford |
Area | |
• City | 27.4 sq mi (71.0 km2) |
• Land | 26.9 sq mi (69.7 km2) |
• Water | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km2) |
Elevation | 1,686 ft (514 m) |
Population (2008) | |
• City | 60,389 |
• Density | 2,065.2/sq mi (797.4/km2) |
• Urban | 60,373 |
• Metro | 104,944 |
Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
ZIP codes | 58501-58507 |
Area code | 701 |
FIPS code | 38-07200Template:GR |
GNIS feature ID | 1035849Template:GR |
Website | http://www.bismarck.org |
Bismarck is the capital of the U.S. state of North Dakota, the county seat of Burleigh County,Template:GR and the second most populous city in North Dakota after Fargo. Its population was 55,532 at the 2000 census. Its metropolitan population was 94,719 in 2000, but was estimated in 2008 to have grown to 104,944.[1] Bismarck was founded in 1872 and has been North Dakota's capital since it gained statehood in 1889.
Bismarck is situated on the east bank of the Missouri River, directly across the river from Mandan.[2] The two cities make up the core of the Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Statistical Area
The North Dakota State Capitol, the tallest building in the state, towers over the central part of Bismarck. The state government employs many people in the city. As a hub of manufacturing, retail, and health care, Bismarck is the economic center of a large portion of south-central North Dakota and north-central South Dakota.
History
At a place once known as Missouri Crossing, the city that would become present-day Bismarck was founded in 1872 and given the name Edwinton, in honor of Edwin Ferry Johnson (1803–1872), a distinguished civil engineer who was engineer-in-chief for the Northern Pacific Railway from June 1866 to November 1870. In 1873 the Northern Pacific Railway changed the city's name to Bismarck, after the German chancellor Otto von Bismarck, in an effort to attract German immigrants to settle along its route. But the discovery of gold in the nearby Black Hills in 1874 was the first real impetus for growth.
Bismarck became the capital of the Dakota Territory in 1883 and of the state of North Dakota in 1889. Bismarck was known back then for being an outlaw town with no laws and no limits. Bismarck also was a place where the beauty of North Dakota is said to begin and a said to be a place of peace and growing success. The survival of Bismarck was dependent on that of Northern Pacific, which survived bankruptcy and continued the railroad. Upon emerging from bankruptcy, construction immediately commenced on a $1 million bridge to span the Missouri River. The first passenger train crossed the Missouri in 1882, bringing never-ending traffic to the area. The territorial capital of Dakota Territory was moved from Yankton to Bismarck in 1883, putting Bismarck in the national spotlight. Local political boss Alexander McKenzie is credited for achieving the new role for Bismarck. When the Dakota Territory was split into two states North Dakota, and South Dakota, Jamestown, ND was set to be the new state capitol for North Dakota. Bismarck was back then rather an outlaw city causing some citizens of Bismarck to "raid" Jamestown for the state records. When the state records were back in Bismarck, construction on the capitol was completed in 1884, stopping all accusations for the capital city of North Dakota to be moved to Jamestown. The first hospital for the Dakota Territory, Saint Alexius, was founded in 1885. Like most of the country, the 1890s were hard times for North Dakota. The Panic of 1893 was the nation's worst economic hardship to that point, and North Dakota's strong agriculture-based economy was directly affected. To make things worse, Bismarck was struck by a severe fire in August 1898, which destroyed much of the city. After the 1898 fire, Bismarck was forced to rebuild a large portion of the city, including most of its downtown. Buildings from this point onward were built mostly of brick and concrete, and often advertised as "fire proof".
Two large and luxurious hotel complexes were constructed at this time. Hotel McKenzie, later renamed Patterson Hotel, opened on January 1, 1911, followed by Grand Pacific Hotel in 1912. Both hotels served as Bismarck's largest hotels for decades. Some of the United States own presidents stayed at the famous Patterson Hotel. Political boss Alexander McKenzie first owned the hotel, but was eventually purchased by Edward Patterson, a close friend to McKenzie. The hotel was renamed the Patterson Hotel in 1923. The Patterson would become home to the Non-Partisan League and was well-known as a gathering place for powerful politicians and businessmen. The Patterson secretly served alcohol during prohibition in addition to hosting illegal gambling and prostitutes. The Grand Pacific Hotel opened in 1912, serving as a direct competitor to The Patterson for decades. Grand Pacific attracted more of a family audience than the Patterson. Finney's Drug was located on the first floor of Grand Pacific for most of its tenure.
The first vehicular bridge in the region to span the Missouri River was completed in 1922. The Liberty Memorial Bridge completed the coast-to-coast link of U.S. Highway 10, and remained the only vehicular bridge within 500 miles for many years. Within two years of its completion, the bridge was seeing 2,000 vehicles per day.
The state capitol was destroyed by fire on December 28, 1930. The loss totaled $2 million, and North Dakota was faced to construct a new capitol in the midst of the Great Depression. They chose to construct an art deco skyscraper, which would tower over the city at nineteen stories when completed in 1934. With a simple outside look, and with an expensive, glamorous, design on the inside was nicknamed "The Prarie Palace" it would be the tallest building in North Dakota for years to come. Construction of the capitol did not go smoothly, however. Laborers constructing the new capitol went on strike on May 13, 1933. The strike lasted for weeks, and didn't come to an end until the declaration of martial law by Governor William Langer. The new capitol was completed in 1934, but news of its completion was buried beneath that of the removal of Governor William "Wild Bill" Langer, who was found guilty on two felony convictions. The North Dakota Supreme Court ordered Langer out of office, to be replaced with his Lieutenant Governor Ole Olson. As a response, Langer declared North Dakota's succession from the United States, then called a special legislative session, where he would proclaim "I am still your governor" and asked for the impeachment of Ole Olson and the supreme court justices. During World War II, Fort Lincoln, located just south of Bismarck, was converted into an internment camp to house German and Japanese civilians and POWs. It was the largest of such camps in the United States. By the time the camp closed in 1946, more than 4,030 prisoners had been detained there. The camp had initially been established as a military post in 1895 to replace Fort Abraham Lincoln located south of Mandan. The closure of the Garrison Dam occurred in April 1953, one year after the city's major flooding. The dam's completion resulted in the creation of the nation's third largest man-made lake, Lake Sakakawea. For the first time, the city could expand south of the railroad without fears of major flooding.
For decades, downtown Bismarck served as the regional hub for business, but like most cities, change was around the corner. Interstate 94 was completed in 1965, creating a second vehicular bridge, the Grant Marsh Bridge. The new highway shifted all through traffic to the north, greatly affecting businesses in downtown, which were reliant on U.S. Highway 10 (known as Main Avenue through Bismarck). Kirkwood Mall opened in 1970, forever changing Bismarck's retail trend. Woolworth's and Montgomery Ward were the first major retailers to leave downtown when they anchored Kirkwood. Sears and A.W. Lucas left to anchor Gateway Mall when it opened in 1979. It was also at this time that BEST Products opened its doors in south Bismarck. “JC Penney” was last of the national department stores to leave downtown Bismarck to anchor Kirkwood's new wing in 1980. Kmart was the first discount department store to arrive in October 1971.
The start of the new millennium brought some of the worst storms ever recorded in the region. Just three years earlier, the worst winter storm since March 1966 buried the region in seventeen inches of snow. The resulting 1996-1997 winter season currently holds the record for the most snowfall recorded. On November 2, 2000, a series of tornadoes touched down in and around the city. The tornadoes caused only limited damage, however it was the latest recorded tornadoes ever in North Dakota. The winter season of 2008–2009 was one of the worst ever recorded in Bismarck’s history, December 2008 recorded more snow than any other single month; and the season itself ended in second place for most snowfall, only 1.4 inches from the all-time record of 1996–1997.
Geography
Bismarck is located at 46°48′48″N 100°46′44″W / 46.81333°N 100.77889°W (46.813343, -100.779004)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city occupies 71.0 km² (27.4 mi²); 69.6 km² (26.9 mi²) of it is land and 1.3 km² (0.5 mi²) (1.90%) is water.
Cityscape
Downtown Bismarck is near the center of the city, and is distinctive because the city's major shopping center, Kirkwood Mall, is there rather than in a suburban setting. Several other major retail stores are in the vicinity of Kirkwood Mall, as is the Bismarck Civic Center. The two Bismarck hospitals, St. Alexius Medical Center and Medcenter One Health Systems are both downtown, and the streets are lined with small stores and restaurants.
Much recent commercial and residential growth has happened in the northern section of the city, largely because of expanding retail centers. Among the shopping centers in northern Bismarck are Gateway Mall, Northbrook Mall, Arrowhead Plaza, and the new Pinehurst Square "power center" mall.
The North Dakota State Capitol complex is just north of downtown Bismarck. The 19-story Art Deco capitol is the tallest building in the city, at a height of 241.75 feet (74 m). The capitol building towers over the central part of the city and is easily seen from 20 miles (30 km) away on a clear day. Completed during the Great Depression in 1934, it replaced an earlier capitol building which burned to the ground in 1930. The capitol grounds house the North Dakota Heritage Center, the North Dakota State Library, the North Dakota Governor's Residence, the State Office Building, and the Liberty Memorial Building. The North Dakota State Penitentiary is in eastern Bismarck.
The Cathedral District is a historic neighborhood near downtown Bismarck. The neighborhood gets its name from the art deco Cathedral of the Holy Spirit which stands in the district. Some homes in this neighborhood date back to the 1880s, although many were built in the first decades of the 20th century. For years, the city[vague] has put forth controversial proposals to widen the streets in the neighborhood, but any such project would require the removal of many of the towering American elms which line the streets.
The Ruth Meiers Hospitality House, a 66-bed shelter for the homeless, is east of downtown Bismarck.
Climate
Bismarck, North Dakota | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Climate chart (explanation) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The average climate of Bismarck is a periodical change in temperatures though-out the year. Winters in Bismarck are average, usually lasting from the beginning of December through the middle of March. Winters do not freeze the Missouri River but create rather large ice chunks that appear through January and February that may somewhat clog river flow. Winters bring very large amounts of snow but road conditions are still very safe due to the great snow removal services. What residents call "winter after-shock" occurs towards the end of March, at this time all of the snow melts quickly creating allot of leftover water that may take days to disappear. Plant life and animal life do not return until the varied beginning, middle, or end of April. Spring in Bismarck is a time when almost all of the land is a dark green due to the plentiful amount of water. The temperature is very warm and with allot of rainfall. Spring lasts from April to late May. Summer in Bismarck is very hot, usually rainfall occurs from variations of an early morning rain storm or a sparingly dose every few weeks. Summer lasts from late May to the middle of September. This long "hot-spell" attracts many to the river where water recreation is frequent; water-parks and outdoor pools open and attract many since temperatures may soar above 100 degrees Farenheight in July and August. Fall begins in October annually and ends in late November. Since Bismarck is full of trees, leaves fill the streets and may even cause problems. Animals hibernate or migrate out of North Dakota but many urban animals that reside in Bismarck may stay through the winter. Grass remains green until the first snow-fall which may occur as early as the middle of November. Food markets open with the harvested crops and the crops the sell the best to Bismarck residents are corn, watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, pumpkins, and potatoes. Winter begins again annually around the start of December. Blizzards, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail storms, and heavy rainfall are not avoidable in the climate of North Dakota, Bismarck has easily adapted to these occurrences over all.
The warmest month in Bismarck is July, where high and low temperatures average 85°F (29 °C) and 56 °F (14 °C) respectively. The coldest month is January, at 21 °F (-6 °C) and -1 °F (-18 °C). The wettest month is June, with 65.8 mm (2.59 in) of precipitation, and the driest month is December, averaging just 11 mm (0.44 in). The city receives an average of about 17 inches (430 mm) of rain and 41 inches (1,000 mm) of snow per year.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Bismarck was 114 °F (45 °C), on July 6, 1936.[2] The temperature has reached or exceeded 110 °F (43 °C) in Bismarck a total of five times in recorded weather history.
The 1990s were a very moist period for Bismarck. The earlier part of the decade was documented for heavy snowfall as the snowiest winter on record in Bismarck was the winter of 1993-94, when 91.7 inches (2.33 m) of snow fell, including a late-season 8.5 in (220 mm) snowfall on April 26, 1994. The later half of the decade was noted for heavy rainfall as 4.63 inches (118 mm) of rain fell, the most rain ever received in a standard 24 hour day, on August 21, 1998. In addition, just one year later, the second highest 24-hour rainfall occurred on August 12, 1999 with 4.48 inches.
Monthly Normal and Record High and Low Temperatures | ||||||||||||
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rec High °F (°C) | 63 (17.2) | 68 (20.0) | 81 (27.2) | 93 (33.8) | 98 (36.6) | 111 (43.9) | 114 (45.5) | 109 (42.7) | 105 (40.5) | 95 (35.0) | 79 (26.1) | 66 (18.9) |
Norm High °F (°C) | 21.1 (-6.1) | 28.5 (-1.9) | 40.2 (4.6) | 55.9 (13.3) | 69.1 (20.6) | 77.8 (25.4) | 84.5 (29.2) | 83.3 (28.5) | 71.6 (22.0) | 58.2 (14.6) | 38.2 (3.4) | 25.7 (-3.5) |
Norm Low °F (°C) | -0.6 (-18.1) | 7.8 (-13.4) | 19.1 (-7.2) | 30.6 (-0.8) | 42.8 (6.0) | 51.6 (10.9) | 56.4 (13.6) | 54.7 (12.6) | 43.7 (6.5) | 32.1 (0.1) | 17.8 (-7.9) | 4.8 (-15.1) |
Rec Low °F (°C) | -45 (-42.8) | -45 (-42.8) | -36 (-37.8) | -12 (-24.4) | 15 (-9.4) | 30 (-1.1) | 32 (0.0) | 32 (0.0) | 10 (-12.2) | -10 (-23.3) | -30 (-34.4) | -43 (-41.6) |
Precip in. (mm) | 0.45 (11.4) | 0.51 (12.9) | 0.85 (21.6) | 1.46 (37.1) | 2.22 (56.4) | 2.59 (65.8) | 2.58 (65.5) | 2.15 (54.6) | 1.61 (40.9) | 1.28 (32.5) | 0.7 (17.8) | 0.44 (11.2) |
Source: National Weather Service [1] |
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1880 | 1,758 | — | |
1890 | 2,186 | 24.3% | |
1900 | 3,319 | 51.8% | |
1910 | 4,913 | 48.0% | |
1920 | 7,122 | 45.0% | |
1930 | 11,090 | 55.7% | |
1940 | 15,496 | 39.7% | |
1950 | 18,541 | 19.7% | |
1960 | 27,670 | 49.2% | |
1970 | 34,703 | 25.4% | |
1980 | 44,485 | 28.2% | |
1990 | 49,256 | 10.7% | |
2000 | 55,532 | 12.7% | |
2008 (est.) | 60,389 |
At the time of the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 55,532 people, 23,185 households, and 14,444 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,065.2/mi² (797.4/km²). There were 24,217 housing units at an average density of 900.6/mi² (347.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.78% White, 3.39% Native American, 0.89% from two or more races, 0.75% Hispanic or Latino, 0.45% Asian, 0.28% Black or African American, 0.17% from other races and 0.03% Pacific Islander.
The top six ancestries in the city are: German (57.9%), Norwegian (18.2%), Russian (7.7%), Irish (7.2%), English (5.0%), Swedish (4.3%).
There were 23,185 households, of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.5% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the city, the population was spread out with 23.5% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.
The median income per household in the city was $39,422, and the median income per family was $51,477. Males had a median income of $33,804 versus $22,647 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,789. About 5.7% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.
Law and government
Bismarck operates under the city commission style of municipal government. Citizens elect five at-large city commissioners. The president of the city commission fills the office of mayor of the city. The current mayor of Bismarck is John Warford. The city commission meets every second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
Economy
With over 4,300 employees, the state government of North Dakota is the largest employer in Bismarck. Bismarck's two major health care providers, St. Alexius Medical Center and Medcenter One Health Systems, together employ about 4,100 people. Other major employers in Bismarck include Bobcat (now a subsidiary of the Korean company Doosan Infracore), Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Coventry Health Care, Bismarck Public Schools, Midwest Motor Express, and the United States Federal Government.[3]
Bismarck is the home of MDU Resources Group, which in 2009 was ranked number 473 on the Fortune 500 list.
Education
Elementary, middle and high schools
The Bismarck Public Schools system operates 15 elementary schools, three middle schools (Simle, Wachter, Horizon), two public high schools (Century High and Bismarck High) and one alternative high school (South Central High School). The system educates 10,400 students and employs 1,500 people.
Three Bismarck Catholic parishes operate three primary schools (kindergarten through eighth grade): St. Mary's Grade School, St. Anne's Grade School, and Cathedral Grade School. St. Mary's Grade School, founded in 1878, is the oldest continuously operating elementary school in North Dakota.
The city has two private high schools, St. Mary's Central High School and Shiloh Christian School.
Higher education
There are five colleges[specify] and a university in Bismarck. The University of Mary, a four-year university operated by the Sisters of Saint Benedict, is the largest degree-granting institution in the city. Bismarck State College is a two-year public college and a member of the North Dakota University System. United Tribes Technical College is a two-year tribal college. Rasmussen College, a two-year private college, is the North Dakota satellite campus of the Rasmussen College system.
Culture
Bismarck culture is always changing and is always seasonal. During the winter months, Bismarck is decorated with Christmas decor (particularly downtown Bismarck) and many Christmas related events are held to this day. The capital building's rooms are arranged each Christmas season for the light to be left on so that the light may shine through the windows and to the people outside, the lit windows appear to form a Christmas tree. The Governor’s residence’s trees are decorated with lights. All through out Bismarck homes are decorated for Christmas, few homes surprisingly lack Christmas decor showing everyone how important Christmas is to the people of Bismarck. People of Bismarck take time to enjoy the winter months by stopping by tea shops more frequently and participating and improving their ice skating, skiing, hockey playing, and even snow-boarding abilities. Winter has greatly affected the culture of Bismarck in a positive way. Spring is a time where the people of Bismarck enjoy the return of plant and animal life. Summer is full of parades and sporting events and the river is alive with the people of Bismarck. Summer time is when fireworks are failed to be controlled and Pow-Wows (a Native American celebration) take place. The largest at United Tribes Technical College. During the fall Halloween is very important to the culture of Bismarck. Children participate in non-Christian activities regardless of the Christian demands of the holy day November 1st. Thanksgiving is celebrated and there is almost no businesses open. The youth of Bismarck enjoy the Grand Theater and skate parks and teen-inspired gathering places. Seniors are respected and Native American culture is never forgotten. Although Christian culture has affected much of Bismarck's culture Bismarck is very respectful to other religions although a Bismarck culture is clearly Christian based. The Belle Mehus Auditorium, a historic building in downtown Bismarck dating to 1914, is a center for the arts in the metropolitan area. Performances of Northern Plains Dance and Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra are held there. Food is very distinctive in Bismarck. Restraunts prepare original North Dakota inspired meals while Mexican, Chinese, French, Cajun, and German inspired restraunts "battle" for late night customers. The most famous dish from Bismarck culture is "Kneophla Soup" and "Kougen". Theater companies in Bismarck include Sleepy Hollow Summer Theatre,[4] the Shade Tree Players children's theater group,[5] Dakota Stage Ltd,[6] University of Mary, Bismarck State College, and various high school groups. The Gannon and Elsa Forde Art Galleries are at Bismarck State College. The Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra, founded in 2000, is the community's newest orchestra and performs a variety of musical genres.
The signifigance of Bismarck culture is realized because of its difference from other cultures in North Dakota. Bismarck is one of the few places in North Dakota where life and nature protection are important to an urban city. Bismarck is rooted with the respect of nature that the Native Americans have. Much of Bismarck's residents are considered to be very kind or friendly. With monuments everywhere you look to remind residents of their culture, Bismarck is a living museum. Monuments for the Lewis and Clark Expidition can be found on the banks of the Missouri River. Monuments to the Native American mythical creature, theThunder Bird can be found also along the banks of the river. Reconstructed River Boats now reside in Bismarck for residents to come and enjoy their past form of transportation. With the peace and unity of the three dominate cultures of Bismarck, Native American Culture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church , and of course Popular culture, Bismarck is truely a place full of culture
Recreation
Bismarck has a large park system and an extensive network of exercise trails. The Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, established in 1927, operates many parks, swimming pools, and several golf courses within the city.
Sertoma Park spans more than three miles (5 km) along the banks of the Missouri River and contains several miles of biking trails, the Dakota Zoo, and Super Slide Amusement Park.
In total, the Parks and Recreation District operates roughly 2,300 acres (9 km²) of public parkland.[7]
There are five golf courses in Bismarck: four 18-hole courses (Apple Creek Country Club, Hawktree Golf Club, Riverwood Golf Course, and Tom O'Leary Golf Course), and one 9-hole course (Pebble Creek Golf Course).
Hunting and fishing are popular with hunting seasons for deer, pheasant, and waterfowl. Fishing is a year-round sport on the Missouri River bordering Bismarck. There are public docks on the River. From north to south, there is a dock at the Port of Bismarck, from which the Lewis and Clark passenger riverboat plies the Missouri; Fox Island Landing, about a half mile southwest of Riverwood Golf Course; and the Bismarck Dock at General Sibley Park, where there is a boat ramp and picnic facilities.
Near Bismarck are several dammed lakes, including McDowell Dam Lake, six miles (10 km) east of the city, and two lakes a few miles west of the city. The extensive Lake Sakakawea is70 miles (110 km) north of Bismarck, upstream of Garrison Dam.
In February 2007, Bismarck broke the record for most snow angels made in one place. A total of 8,962 participants came to the capitol grounds for the event.[8]
Health care
Bismarck is a regional center for health care. The city has two hospitals: St. Alexius Medical Center (285-bed) and Medcenter One Health Systems (238-bed). When it was opened in 1885, St. Alexius was the first hospital in Dakota Territory and is the oldest health care provider in the state of North Dakota. St. Alexius and Medcenter One have joined forces to form the Bismarck Cancer Center.[9] Medcenter One was founded in 1908 as Bismarck Evangelical Hospital, renamed in 1955 to Bismarck Hospital, then renamed again in 1984 to its present designation, MedCenter One.
Media
The only daily newspaper in Bismarck is the Bismarck Tribune. The paper was established in 1873 and is the oldest continuously operating business in the city. The Tribune's first claim to fame was the 1876 report of George Custer's last stand at the Little Bighorn. In 1938 the paper won a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service after publishing a series of articles called "Self-Help in the Dust Bowl. "The Tribune is the official newspaper of the city of Bismarck, Burleigh County, and the state of North Dakota.[10] The daily newspapers of other major cities in North Dakota are also available at area newsstands.
Television
There are six television stations based in Bismarck, and all of them have rebroadcasters in Minot, Williston, and Dickinson. The stations are:
- KBME virtual channel 3/ATSC RF channel 22 (PBS)
- KFYR virtual channel 5/ATSC RF ch. 31 (NBC)
- KXMB virtual & ATSC RF channel 12 (CBS)
- KBMY virtual channel 17/ATSC RF ch. 16 (ABC)
- KNDX virtual & ATSC RF channel 26 (Fox)
- K46DY analog NTSC channel 46 (TBN)
Bismarck also carries KWMK, an affiliate of The CW, on cable channel 14, as well as a public access channel, Community Access Television, on cable channel 12.
Radio
Bismarck supports some twenty-seven radio stations. All of the commercial stations are owned by either Clear Channel Communications or Cumulus Media. Many of the lower frequency stations are broadcasters of national Christian radio networks. The local stations are:
FM Radio
- KBMK 88.3 FM (Contemporary Christian music) K-Love network affiliate
- K204FG 88.7 FM (Christian) BBN translator
- KGCD 89.1 FM (Contemporary Christian music) K-Love affiliate for nearby Lincoln
- KNRI 89.7 FM (Christian rock) Air 1 affiliate
- K211EG 90.1 FM (Christian) Rejoice Radio translator
- KCND 90.5 FM (Public Radio) Prairie Public
- K216FK 91.1 FM (Spanish language Christian) La Nueva Radio Cristiana Translator
- KBFR 91.7 FM (Christian) American Family Radio affiliate
- KYYY 92.9 FM (Adult Contemporary) "Y93"
- KBEP-LP 93.7 FM (Christian) 3ABN affiliate
- KQDY 94.5 FM (Country) "KQ 94.5"
- KBYZ 96.5 FM (Classic rock) "The Fox"
- KKCT 97.5 FM (Top 40) "Hot 97-5"
- KACL 98.7 FM (Oldies) "Cool 98.7"
- K259AF 99.7 FM (Country) KQDY translator "KQ 94.5"
- KLBE-LP 100.7 FM (Christian rock) "Club Radio"
- KSSS 101.5 FM (Classic rock) "Rock 101"
- KUSB 103.3 FM (Country) "US 103.3"
- KNDR 104.7 FM (Contemporary Christian music)
- KKBO 105.9 FM "Bob FM"
- KJIT-LP 106.7 FM (Contemporary Christian music) Radio 74 affiliate
AM Radio
- KFYR 550 AM (News/Talk/Sports) "K-Fire"
- KXMR 710 AM (Sports) "ESPN 710"
- KBMR 1130 AM (Classic country)
- KLXX 1270 AM (Talk)
- KDKT 1410 AM (Sports) "Fox Sports Radio 1410"
- WQDL503 1610 AM (Traveler's Information Station), North Dakota Department of Transportation
Transportation
Because it is nearly in the center of North Dakota, Bismarck has become a major transportation hub.
Bismarck Municipal Airport is south of the city and has the largest passenger volume in western North Dakota and the second highest within the state. The airport is served by United Express, Allegiant Air and Northwest. A new $15 million terminal opened in May 2005. The previous terminal was built in the mid-1960s and expanded in the mid-1970s. A windstorm collapsed part of the roof connecting the expanded terminal to the original building, and eventually it was decided to demolish the entire complex and build the new terminal.
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway runs east-west through the city. There has not been Amtrak service in Bismarck since the North Coast Hiawatha service ended in 1979. The closest Amtrak station is in Minot, north of Bismarck, where the Empire Builder line runs.
Two federal highways pass through Bismarck. Interstate 94 runs east and west through the city and connects Bismarck and Mandan. The north-south U.S. Route 83 merges in north Bismarck with Interstate 94 to run east for roughly 25 miles (40 km) beyond which it again runs north-south.
The Capital Area Transit System (CAT) began operations in May 2004.[11] This public bus system is operated by the Bis-Man Transit Board and has eleven routes throughout Bismarck and Mandan. Bis-Man Transit also operates a taxi service for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
Sports
Professional and amateur sports are popular in Bismarck.
Amateur
High school and college sports are the main feature of the local athletics landscape. The athletic teams at the two public Bismarck high schools, Bismarck High School and Century High School, are known as The Demons and The Patriots, respectively. The athletic teams at St. Mary's Central High School, Bismarck's Catholic high school, are known as The Saints. The teams at Bismarck State College and United Tribes Technical College are known as The Mystics and Thunderbirds, and both compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association. The teams at the University of Mary are The Marauders and compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Bismarck has an American Legion baseball team called the Governors.
In the Fall, the accent is on high school and college football and there are spirited rivalries among the several high schools in the area. The University of Mary added the sport in 1988. Most University of Mary football games are played in the Community Bowl. Popular sports during the winter months include ice hockey, wrestling and basketball. In Spring, baseball is one of the top amateur sports in the city with each high school, Bismarck State College, and The University of Mary providing teams. The University of Mary also has a softball team. Another popular high school and college sport during the Spring months is track and field. Summer months see no high school or college athletics, but in the Summer Bismarck has American Legion baseball and auto racing. The Fourth of July holiday is the height of rodeo time with rodeos being held in Mandan and Bismarck. The Summer months also see another popular sport in Bismarck, slow-pitch softball. Bismarck is the host city of the world's largest charity softball tournament, the Sam McQuade Charity Softball tournament in which compete more than four hundred teams from all over the United States and Canada.
Professional
One professional basketball team is based in Bismarck, the Dakota Wizards of the National Basketball Association Development League. Professional sports are a recent development in the area. The Wizards took root in the mid- to late-1990s. The Wizards won titles during their International Basketball Association and Continental Basketball Association days and are the current champions of the National Basketball Association Development League. Bismarck has also been the home of two indoor professional football teams, but both teams left the city soon after they were formed. Bismarck once had a professional baseball team, the Dakota Rattlers, but the team relocated to Minot after several seasons in Bismarck.
The Bismarck Bobcats hockey team of the North American Hockey League is made up of Junior players (age 20 and under, sometimes age 21 if waivered).
Notable residents
- John Burke (politician) - former Governor of North Dakota, North Dakota Supreme Court Justice, and Treasurer of the United States
- Neil Churchill - car dealer, former Bismarck mayor, and early supporter of integrated baseball
- Kent Conrad - United States Senator
- Jack Dunham - animator and television producer
- Clay Jenkinson - newspaper columnist, author, stage and broadcast recreator of historic figures
- Thomas S. Kleppe - former Bismarck mayor, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior
- Alexander McKenzie - political boss who is credited for moving capital of Dakota Territory from Yankton to Bismarck
- Ed Schafer - former Governor of North Dakota, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
Notes
- ^ Metropolitan and micropolitan statistical area population and estimated components of change: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008
- ^ https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndgs/Publication_List/pdf/geoinv/GI_3.pdf
- ^ Information about Bismarck economy
- ^ Sleepy Hollow Summer Theatre website
- ^ Shade Tree Players website
- ^ Dakota Stage Ltd website
- ^ Information about Bismarck Parks and Recreation District
- ^ Detroit radio station hopes to break snow angel record
- ^ Bismarck Cancer Center website
- ^ Bismarck Tribune information
- ^ Capital Area Transit information