After stopping in Pierre, our next stop was to North Dakota’s capital, Bismarck.

Unlike Pierre, Bismarck has a population of over 73,000 and is the second largest city in the state and has been the capital city since 1889.

The state capitol building is also far different than Pierre’s. At 19 stories it is the tallest building in the state. Completed in 1934, it replaced the capitol building that burned down in 1930.

Many of the buildings on the capitol complex look like any square or rectangle government building, except for one, the Liberty Memorial Building. Built in 1924 at a cost of $450,000, it is the oldest building still standing on the capitol complex. It was originally built to provide additional office space for state agencies, and to mark the end of World War I. The building is dedicated to the memory of the men and women of North Dakota who served in that war. It is now home of the North Dakota State Library.

There are many statues and memorials throughout the complex, such as

Sakakawea

The Lemhi Shoshone woman who, in her teens, helped the Lewis and Clark Expedition in achieving their objectives by exploring the Louisiana Territory. Sacagawea traveled with the expedition thousands of miles from North Dakota to the Pacific Ocean.

Buffalo

By a Native American artist from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Bennet Brien.

The Honorable John Burke

An American lawyer, jurist, and political leader. He was the tenth Governor of North Dakota, and also served as Treasurer of the United States under President Woodrow Wilson.

A bill that was ratified by Congress and signed by President Harrison created the both states in 1889, but it is unknown which was officially created first.

Until next time,

Safe travels