Dickinson history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Dickinson dates back to the era of the active settlement of the Wild West. The city was founded in 1881, initially emerging as a railway siding on the Northern Pacific Railway route. The settlement was named in honour of Wells S. Dickinson, an influential land agent from New York State who worked for the railway company.

Key Factors of Formation

Dickinson's rapid development from a temporary stop to a thriving city was driven by several strategic advantages:

• Transport Hub: The railway became the city's main lifeline, ensuring a connection with eastern markets and a constant influx of new settlers.
• Geography: Its location in the hilly terrain near the Heart River created favourable conditions for farming.
• Administrative Status: As early as 1883, shortly after its founding, Dickinson was proclaimed the administrative centre of Stark County, cementing its political significance in the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the late 19th century, Dickinson's economy was based on cattle ranching and agriculture. The city quickly gained a reputation as one of the largest shipping centres for wool and cattle on the Northern Plains. The cultural landscape was shaped by the strong influence of immigrants, especially those from Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, who brought their traditions to the lifestyle of the "Queen City of the Prairies" — an unofficial title the city has held since its early years.

Major Milestones in Dickinson's History

• 1881 — Founding of the settlement as the "Pleasant Valley Siding" railway stop, soon renamed Dickinson.
• 1883 — Official organization of Stark County, with Dickinson selected as the administrative centre.
• 1900 — Dickinson officially receives city status, cementing its role as a vital regional trade hub.
• 1918 — Opening of the State Normal School, marking the beginning of the history of the modern Dickinson State University.
• 1924 — Construction of May Hall, the first permanent building on the university campus, which became an architectural symbol of the city.
• 1947 — Establishment of the Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park, which later received national park status, becoming the region's main natural attraction.
• 1950 — Completion of the Dickinson Dam by the US Bureau of Reclamation, leading to the creation of the Patterson Lake reservoir.
• 1994 — Opening of the Dakota Dinosaur Museum, later known as the Badlands Dinosaur Museum.
• 2009 — The city survived a powerful EF3 category tornado, which damaged hundreds of homes but, fortunately, resulted in no human casualties.
• 2010s — The start of a massive oil boom in the Bakken formation, leading to sharp population growth and an economic upturn for the city.
• 2016 — Rebranding and opening of the updated Badlands Dinosaur Museum as part of the larger Dickinson Museum Center.

Key Stages of Dickinson's Transformation

The development of Dickinson is a story of transformation from a small railway siding into the main economic and cultural centre of southwestern North Dakota. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern look of the city.

• Railway Beginning (1880s): The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway catalyzed the birth of the city. This turned Dickinson into the region's main logistics hub for shipping livestock and wool, connecting local farmers with major markets in the Eastern and Western USA.
• The Brick Manufacturing Era (1890s – 1900s): The discovery of high-quality clay in the vicinity led to the flourishing of brick factories. Local brick not only became the economic foundation of that time but also defined the city's architectural look — many historic buildings in the centre are built from it.
• Establishment as an Educational Centre (1918): The opening of the State Normal School (now Dickinson State University) transformed the city from a purely trading post into an intellectual and cultural hub, providing the region with qualified personnel.
• Infrastructure Security (1950): The construction of the Dickinson Dam and the creation of Patterson Lake solved the critical water supply problem for the arid prairies. This allowed the city to grow further and created a popular recreational area for residents.
• Development of Tourism Potential (since 1947): Designating the Theodore Roosevelt lands as a memorial (later national) park made Dickinson the main "gateway" to the natural beauty of the Badlands, diversifying the economy through the service and hospitality sectors.
• Oil Boom (2000s – 2010s): Active development of the Bakken shale formation led to an unprecedented economic and demographic explosion. The city underwent large-scale urbanization, infrastructure modernization, and an influx of investment, becoming one of the fastest-growing settlements in the USA.

Historic Centre and the Brick Building Era

The architectural core of Dickinson was formed at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, when temporary wooden structures of the frontier era gave way to permanent buildings. A key role in this process was played by the presence of quality clay in the region, which allowed for local brick production.

• Period: 1890s – 1930s.
• Style: Early 20th Century Commercial, elements of Romanesque Revival.
• Characteristic Features: Strict brick facades, use of decorative masonry, arched windows on upper floors, and massive cornices.
• Landmark: Downtown Dickinson Historic District. Here, bank buildings, hotels, and trading shops are concentrated, creating the atmosphere of a classic American Midwest town.

Academic Architecture and Neo-Gothic

With the appearance of a higher education institution in the city, buildings began to be erected to emphasize the status and cultural significance of education. Architects turned to European traditions to create monumental images.

• Period: 1920s.
• Style: Collegiate Gothic.
• Landmark: May Hall. Located on a hill at the Dickinson State University campus, this building, constructed in 1924, is the city's architectural dominant feature. It is characterized by pointed arches, towers, and the use of light stone trim against a red brick background.

Sacred Architecture

Dickinson's religious structures reflect the heritage of immigrants from Europe (predominantly Germans and Scandinavians), who brought their architectural preferences to the construction of churches.

• Style: Neo-Gothic, Gothic Revival.
• Landmark: St. Joseph's Catholic Church. This majestic brick building with high spires and stained glass windows stands out against the low-rise development and serves as an important visual landmark.

Modern Development and Functionalism

In the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, Dickinson's urban planning was determined by economic factors, particularly the development of the oil industry. The city began to expand rapidly beyond its historic core.

• Period: From the 1950s to the present.
• Style: Modernism, utilitarian architecture, modern residential development (Ranch style).
• Development Features: During oil booms (especially in the 2010s), priority was given to speed of construction and functionality. Extensive areas of typical single-story housing, modern shopping complexes, and modular structures appeared, providing infrastructure for the growing population.

Historical Figures and Leaders

The history of Dickinson is inextricably linked with people whose names are known far beyond North Dakota. From presidents to influential senators, these figures have had a significant impact on the development of the region and the country.

• Theodore Roosevelt — 26th US President, naturalist.
  Although Roosevelt's famous ranches were in the Badlands, Dickinson played a key role in his life in the West. It was from here that the future president shipped cattle by rail, and here in 1886 he delivered one of his first significant speeches on Independence Day. His legacy is immortalized in the name of the national park, to which the city serves as a gateway.
• Byron Dorgan — Politician, US Senator (1992–2011).
  A native of these parts and a graduate of the State University in Dickinson. Dorgan represented North Dakota in the US Congress for 30 years, becoming one of the most influential politicians of the state in modern history. He is also known as an author of books on economics and energy.

Figures of Culture and Art

Dickinson's creative potential was manifested in the destinies of talented artists who conquered Broadway stages and world music charts.

• Dorothy Stickney — Theatre and film actress.
  Born in Dickinson in 1896. Stickney became a Broadway star, best known for the role of the mother in the legendary play "Life with Father". A concert hall (Stickney Auditorium) on the local university campus is named in honour of the famous countrywoman.
• Mitch Malloy — Rock musician, producer, songwriter.
  A Dickinson native who achieved success on the international rock scene. Malloy is known for his solo hits in the 90s and collaboration with legendary bands (including auditioning for the role of Van Halen's vocalist). His career serves as an inspiring example for local musicians.

Athletes

The city's sporting fame is largely connected with the athletic programme of the local university, which has trained world-class champions.

• Derrick Atkins — Track and field athlete, sprinter.
  A graduate of Dickinson State University who brought fame to his alma mater on the international stage. Representing the Bahamas, he became a silver medalist at the 2007 World Championships in the 100 metres and a participant in the Olympic Games. Atkins is a symbol of the sporting achievements of the "Blue Hawks" (the university mascot).