North Dakota Atlas

North Dakota facts and history plus travel and tourism information.

Capital: Bismarck
Abbreviations: ND (postal), N. Dak.
Area: 70,704 square miles
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
State Tree: American Elm
State Flower: Wild Prairie Rose
State Motto: Liberty and Union, Now and Forever: One and Inseparable
Nickname: The Sioux State, The Peace Garden State, The Flickertail State

Winter in North Dakota

North Dakota is a northern Great Plains state which lies at the center of North America and abuts Canada's Manitoba border. In fact, North Dakota's "Peace Garden State" nickname refers to the International Peace Garden which is located on the border between North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada.

Native American Cheyenne, Hidatsa, and Sioux peoples lived by the rivers and on the prairies of North Dakota before European expansion. North Dakota was explored as late as around 1800 by European fur traders. Farmers did not arrive until railroads offered easy access to the land after the Indian Wars, and North Dakota finally became the 39th state on November 2, 1889.

Spring wheat farming is an important part of North Dakota's economy; wheat growers take advantage of rich soil in the Red River Valley and on the prairie lands. Ranches dominate the Missouri Plateau, and waterbirds thrive in the Drift Prairie habitat. North Dakota's urban areas include the capital, Bismarck, and other small cities, such as Grand Forks and Fargo.

North Dakota Map

North Dakota Links

1. North Dakota Government - official North Dakota state website.
2. North Dakota Tourism - North Dakota travel and tourism.
3. National Parks in North Dakota
4. North Dakota QuickFacts - from the US Census Bureau.
5. 50States.com - North Dakota

North Dakota Resources

• North Dakota Real Estate - real estate information about North Dakota.
• North Dakota Colleges and Universities - higher education institutions in North Dakota.
• North Dakota Libraries - list of libraries in North Dakota.

North Dakota History and Geography