North Dakota - Political
 
CapitalBismarck
Largest CityFargo
Major CitiesGrand Forks, Minot
NicknamesPeace Garden State, Flickertail State, Sioux State
Area70,665 sq. miles
Population642,200
 
North Dakota - Physical features
 
Physical FeaturesGreat Plains, Turtle Mountains, Badlands, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe
RiversMissouri, James, Red River of the North, Little Missouri, Souris
Highest PointWhite Butte
Bordering StatesMinnesota (east), South Dakota (south), Montana (west), Canada- Saskatchewan and Manitoba (north)
National ParksTheodore Roosevelt NP (North Unit and South Unit)
Key ProductsWheat, Rye, Barley
Natural ResourcesOil, Fertile agricultural land
 
North Dakota - History
 
1803Acquired as part of the Louisiana Purhcase from France
1804-1806Meriwwther Lewis and William Clark explored region
1861Dakota Territory formed, which included neighboring South Dakota
1889Admitted to Union as the 39th state, on the same day as South Dakota
 
North Dakota - Facts
 
  • An obelisk in the town of Rugby marks the geographic center of the North American continent.
  • The Garrison Dam forms Lake Sakakawea, named after a Native American woman who helped Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their great journey westward to reach the Pacific Ocean.
  • North Dakota’s population is the most rural of all states.
  • Theodore roosevelt National Park is the only such named after a US President.
  • Oil was discovered near Tioga in 1951