Bismarck history

Foundation and First Years

The history of the city began in 1872, when a settlement, originally named Edwinton, was founded on the eastern bank of the Missouri River. However, as early as 1873, the name was changed to Bismarck. This decision had a pragmatic aim: to attract German investment for the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway by naming the city in honour of the German Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a small settlement into an important regional centre was driven by several reasons:

• Geography and Transport: The city emerged at a strategically important point where the railway line crossed the Missouri River. This secured its role as a key transport hub, integrating river and rail freight.
• Political Status: In 1883, Bismarck became the capital of the Dakota Territory, and following the formation of the state in 1889, it retained its status as the administrative centre of North Dakota.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period of its existence, Bismarck was a classic frontier town. It served as the main supply base for expeditions and settlers heading west, particularly during the Black Hills Gold Rush. The city's economy was built on trade, servicing the railway, and supporting the growing stream of immigrants seeking to develop new lands.

The history of Bismarck reflects a journey from a railway settlement to a state administrative centre. Below is a chronology of key events that shaped the city's appearance.

• 1872: The settlement of Edwinton is founded at the point where the Northern Pacific Railway crosses the Missouri River.
• 1873: The city is renamed Bismarck in honour of the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck to attract immigrants and investment from Germany.
• 1874: The discovery of gold in the nearby Black Hills turns the city into a vital transport hub for prospectors.
• 1883: Bismarck becomes the capital of the Dakota Territory, taking this status from the city of Yankton.
• 1889: North Dakota officially becomes a US state, and Bismarck is confirmed as its capital.
• 1898: A major fire destroys a significant part of the city's business centre, leading to a large-scale reconstruction of buildings using brick and stone.
• 1922: The Liberty Memorial Bridge across the Missouri River opens, becoming the first road bridge to connect the eastern and western parts of the region.
• 1930: A fire completely destroys the first State Capitol building, necessitating the design of a new government complex.
• 1934: Construction is completed on the new Art Deco Capitol, nicknamed the "Skyscraper on the Prairie" due to its height.
• 1953: The launch of the Garrison Dam upstream on the Missouri River provides flood protection for the city and boosts economic development.
• 2011: The city experiences record flooding on the Missouri River, requiring emergency measures to reinforce levees and protect the population.

Stages of the City's Formation and Development

The development of Bismarck is the story of a frontier settlement transforming into a modern administrative and economic centre of North Dakota. The city has journeyed from a tent camp for railway workers to a regional hub with developed infrastructure.

Here are the key milestones that defined the modern look and status of the city:

• Strategic Railway Hub. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1873 did not just link the region with the east of the country, but also turned the city into a major transshipment base for goods and travellers heading west, which laid the economic foundation of the settlement.
• Political Stabilisation. Obtaining the status of the capital of the Dakota Territory in 1883, and then the state in 1889, ensured the city a constant influx of civil servants and budget funds. This saved Bismarck from the fate of many "boom-and-bust" towns of the Gold Rush era and guaranteed sustainable development even during crisis years.
• Architectural Modernisation of the 1930s. The construction of the new Capitol after the fire was an urban planning breakthrough. The rejection of a classical dome in favour of a 19-storey Art Deco tower not only created a unique city silhouette ("Skyscraper on the Prairie") but also set high standards for the subsequent development of the business centre.
• Hydraulic Engineering Revolution. The launch of the Garrison Dam in the mid-20th century radically changed life in the Missouri Valley. Taming the river saved the city from destructive floods, allowed for the development of coastal areas, and gave a powerful impulse to the development of water tourism and recreation.
• Formation of a Healthcare Hub. In the second half of the 20th century, Bismarck established itself as the main healthcare centre for a vast region covering central and western North Dakota. The development of major hospitals (Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius) attracted highly qualified specialists and created thousands of jobs.
• Educational Expansion. The growth and development of local higher education institutions, such as Bismarck State College and the University of Mary, turned the city into an intellectual centre, ensuring an influx of youth and workforce training for the local economy.
• Energy Momentum. The development of the energy sector in the region (coal mining and the oil boom in the Bakken formation) in the 21st century led to an economic upturn, population growth, and the modernisation of urban infrastructure, including airport expansion and the construction of new residential areas.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Bismarck represents a unique blend of Wild West heritage and bold mid-20th-century decisions. The city's urban structure evolved from a classic rectangular street grid tied to the railway, to modern spacious blocks dominated by the vertical of the Capitol.

The main stages of development and their corresponding styles can be divided into the following periods:

• Late 19th Century: Victorian Era and Stick Style.

  The early period of the city's development is characterised by a transition from temporary wooden structures to more substantial buildings. A vivid example is the Former Governors' Mansion, built in 1884. The building is executed in the Victorian "Stick Style", characterised by decorative wooden overlays mimicking the frame, high roofs, and spacious verandas.

• Early 20th Century: Eclecticism and Commercial Style.

  With the growth of the city's economic importance, the centre began to be built up with brick buildings in the "commercial style" with elements of Romanesque Revival (arched windows, rough stonework). During this same period (1901), the Northern Pacific Railway Depot was erected. This building is a magnificent example of Spanish Mission Style, distinguished by tiled roofs and plastered walls, which was a rarity for northern states.

• 1930s: Art Deco and Monumentalism.

  A turning point in the city's architecture was the fire of 1930, which destroyed the old Capitol. In its place, the new North Dakota State Capitol building was erected in 1934. Rejecting the traditional dome, architects chose the Art Deco style. This 19-storey building, known as the "Skyscraper on the Prairie", set the tone for the entire administrative centre with its strict geometry, vertical lines, and use of limestone.

• Second Half of the 20th Century — Present Day: Modernism and Postmodernism.

  In the post-war years, the city expanded following the principles of modernism: functionality prevailed over decoration. Buildings of the government complex around the Capitol, such as the North Dakota Heritage Center, are executed in a restrained modern style that harmonises with the landscape. Contemporary development is characterised by the use of glass and steel, while preserving the spaciousness and abundance of green zones laid out in the general plan.

Notable Figures

Many people who left a significant mark on US politics, sports, culture, and business are associated with Bismarck. Here is a list of the most well-known personalities whose lives or careers were intertwined with the history of the city:

• Alexander McKenzie (1851–1922)
  Political figure and businessman
  Known as the "Boss of North Dakota", he played a decisive role in moving the capital of the Dakota Territory from Yankton to Bismarck in 1883. His influence defined the city's political status for decades to come.
• John Burke (1859–1937)
  Lawyer and statesman
  The 10th Governor of North Dakota and Treasurer of the United States under President Woodrow Wilson. He spent most of his legal and political career in Bismarck. His statue stands at the State Capitol.
• Lawrence Welk (1903–1992)
  Musician, accordionist, and television host
  Although born in Strasburg, his professional career began in Bismarck, where he performed on the local radio station KFYR. Later, he became the host of "The Lawrence Welk Show", famous across America.
• Harold Schafer (1912–2001)
  Entrepreneur and philanthropist
  Founder of the Gold Seal Company, based in Bismarck, which produced famous household chemical brands (e.g., Mr. Bubble). Schafer is also known as the saviour of the historic town of Medora, having invested a fortune in its restoration.
• Angie Dickinson (born 1931)
  Actress
  A Hollywood star and Golden Globe winner (films "Rio Bravo", "Dressed to Kill"). She spent her childhood and youth in Bismarck, graduating from Bismarck High School in 1947.
• Brock Lesnar (born 1977)
  Professional wrestler and mixed martial artist
  Former UFC Heavyweight Champion and multiple WWE Champion. He developed his wrestling career while studying and competing for the Bismarck State College team, where he won the national championship among juniors.
• Carson Wentz (born 1992)
  American football player
  NFL quarterback and Super Bowl LII champion. Wentz grew up in Bismarck and became a star of the Bismarck Century High School team before achieving success at the national level.
• Cara Mund (born 1994)
  Public figure, lawyer
  A Bismarck native who became the first representative from North Dakota to win the title of "Miss America" (2018). She actively participates in the public life of the city and state.