The land that makes up North Dakota today became U.S. territory as part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The region was originally part of the Minnesota and Nebraska territories until it was organized, along with South Dakota, into the Dakota Territory in 1861.
The state was very sparsely populated until the arrival of the railroads in the late 1800s, finally becoming a state in 1889. During the lead up to statehood, there was intense rivalry between North and South Dakota over which state would be the first to union would be allowed.
When it came time for their formal admission, President Benjamin Harrison randomly selected which bill should be signed first, not recording the order in which the bills were signed, although North Dakota is traditionally listed first. The state is known for scenic badlands, which are part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Geography
North Dakota is located in the Midwestern United States and is bordered by Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south, Montana to the west, and Canada to the north. It has an area of 70,700 square miles, making it the 19th largest state in the US. The geography of North Dakota is defined by its diverse landscape of prairies, rolling hills, badlands, and rivers.
The western part of North Dakota is dominated by the Great Plains region. This area is characterized by flat grasslands with occasional low hills and bluffs. The Missouri River runs through this region and provides a source of water for crops and livestock. To the east of this region lies a large portion of land known as The Drift Prairie. This area consists mainly of gentle rolling hills covered with grasses and wildflowers.
In addition to these two regions, North Dakota also has several distinct areas that are unique in their own way. The Badlands are located in south-central North Dakota near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Here you will find striking canyons carved into colorful buttes with rugged terrain that looks like it could be from another planet.
The Red River Valley lies on North Dakota’s eastern border with Minnesota and consists mostly of flat plains with rich soil perfect for farming wheat and other grains. This region sees some flooding during spring thawing due to its low elevation but also provides many recreational opportunities such as canoeing or kayaking on one of its many lakes or streams.
Finally, there are numerous rivers crisscrossing through North Dakota’s landscape including the Red River which forms part of its border with Minnesota; Missouri River which runs through much of central ND; Yellowstone River which forms part of its border with Montana; Knife River which flows through southwestern ND; Souris River which flows through Minot and Bottineau County; Sheyenne River which flows through southeastern ND; James River which flows through northeastern ND; Heart River which forms part of its border with South Dakota; Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Minot; Lake Sakakawea formed by Garrison Dam on the Missouri river near Williston; Lake Oahe formed by Oahe Dam on Missouri river near Mobridge SD.; Devils Lake located northeast ND near Rolette county line; Turtle Mountain State Forest located near Belcourt/Rolla area in northern ND.; Lake Tschida formed by Tschida Dam on Heart river near Mandan/Bismarck area.; Fort Berthold Reservation located near New Town area (west-central ND). All these rivers provide ample opportunity for fishing or other recreational activities such as boating or camping along their banks.
Overall, North Dakota’s geography is defined by its diverse landscape made up primarily of prairies, rolling hills, badlands areas and rivers that flow throughout much of the state providing an abundance resources for locals as well as recreational activities for visitors alike.
Cities in North Dakota
Below are the top 15 cities by population in North Dakota. For all cities and towns in the state, please see North Dakota cities list.
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fargo | 124,979 |
| 2 | Bismarck | 73,321 |
| 3 | Grand Forks | 58,867 |
| 4 | Minot | 48,005 |
| 5 | West Fargo | 37,913 |
| 6 | Williston | 27,368 |
| 7 | Dickinson | 24,851 |
| 8 | Mandan | 23,784 |
| 9 | Jamestown | 15,823 |
| 10 | Wahpeton | 7,928 |
| 11 | Devils Lake | 7,201 |
| 12 | Valley City | 6,586 |
| 13 | Watford City | 5,725 |
| 14 | Minot AFB | 5,375 |
| 15 | Grafton | 4,186 |
Counties in North Dakota
The State of North Dakota consists of 53 counties. They are:
- Adams County, North Dakota
- Barnes County, North Dakota
- Benson County, North Dakota
- Billings County, North Dakota
- Bottineau County, North Dakota
- Bowman County, North Dakota
- Burke County, North Dakota
- Burleigh County, North Dakota
- Cass County, North Dakota
- Cavalier County, North Dakota
- Dickey County, North Dakota
- Divide County, North Dakota
- Dunn County, North Dakota
- Eddy County, North Dakota
- Emmons County, North Dakota
- Foster County, North Dakota
- Golden Valley County, North Dakota
- Grand Forks County, North Dakota
- Grant County, North Dakota
- Griggs County, North Dakota
- Hettinger County, North Dakota
- Kidder County, North Dakota
- LaMoure County, North Dakota
- Logan County, North Dakota
- McHenry County, North Dakota
- McIntosh County, North Dakota
- McKenzie County, North Dakota
- McLean County, North Dakota
- Mercer County, North Dakota
- Morton County, North Dakota
- Mountrail County, North Dakota
- Nelson County, North Dakota
- Oliver County, North Dakota
- Pembina County, North Dakota
- Pierce County, North Dakota
- Ramsey County, North Dakota
- Ransom County, North Dakota
- Renville County, North Dakota
- Richland County, North Dakota
- Rolette County, North Dakota
- Sargent County, North Dakota
- Sheridan County, North Dakota
- Sioux County, North Dakota
- Slope County, North Dakota
- Stark County, North Dakota
- Steele County, North Dakota
- Stutsman County, North Dakota
- Towner County, North Dakota
- Traill County, North Dakota
- Walsh County, North Dakota
- Ward County, North Dakota
- Wells County, North Dakota
- Williams County, North Dakota
