How North Dakota Became a State

Statehood is a term used to describe the legal and political process of a territory becoming a recognized state within a country. North Dakota is a state that has a long and interesting history, from its first inhabitants to its eventual statehood. The journey of North Dakota to become a state was a long and arduous one, with many obstacles to overcome. The story of how North Dakota became a state is a fascinating one, as it is full of interesting characters, events, and decisions that shaped the state into what it is today.

Pre-Statehood

Early settlers

The first settlers in North Dakota were Native Americans, who lived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The first Europeans to settle in the area were French fur traders, who arrived in the late 1700s. They were followed by a wave of British and American settlers in the early 1800s, who established trading posts and farms. These early settlers were primarily interested in the fur trade, but some also established homesteads and began to farm the land.

Territorial status

In 1861, the Dakota Territory was created, encompassing the present-day states of North Dakota and South Dakota. This was done in order to better manage the region, which was becoming increasingly populated. The Dakota Territory was initially governed by a governor and three judges, who were appointed by the President of the United States. Over the next several decades, the population of the Dakota Territory grew rapidly, and in 1889, the territory was divided into North Dakota and South Dakota. North Dakota was admitted to the Union as the 39th state on November 2, 1889.

The Dakota Territory

Creation of the Dakota Territory

The Dakota Territory was created in 1861, when the United States Congress passed the Dakota Organic Act. This act split the Dakota Territory off from the Minnesota Territory, which had been established in 1849. The Dakota Territory was a large region encompassing parts of what are now the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. The territory was divided into two parts, with the northern portion being called Dakota Territory and the southern portion being called Nebraska Territory. The Dakota Territory was initially governed by the federal government, but in 1862, the territory was granted its own legislature. This legislature was responsible for creating laws and regulations for the territory, as well as for establishing a system of taxation.

Expansion of the Dakota Territory

The Dakota Territory was expanded several times during its existence. In 1864, the territory was expanded to include parts of what are now Montana and Wyoming. In 1868, the territory was further expanded to include parts of what are now the states of North Dakota and South Dakota. This expansion was made possible by the Treaty of Fort Laramie, which was signed between the United States and the Sioux Nation. The treaty allowed the United States to purchase land from the Sioux Nation in exchange for money and goods. This expansion of the Dakota Territory allowed for the eventual creation of the states of North Dakota and South Dakota.

The Statehood Movement

Political and economic factors

The political and economic factors that drove the statehood movement in North Dakota were largely driven by the desire of the people to have a greater say in the decisions that affected their lives. The people of North Dakota had long been subject to the laws and regulations of the Dakota Territory, which was governed by the federal government. This meant that the people of North Dakota had little control over the decisions that were made in their state. The people of North Dakota wanted to have a greater say in their own affairs and the statehood movement was a way to achieve this.

The economic factors that drove the statehood movement in North Dakota were largely driven by the need for economic development. The Dakota Territory had been largely undeveloped and the people of North Dakota wanted to see their state become more prosperous. The statehood movement was seen as a way to attract investment and create jobs in the state. This would help to create a more prosperous future for the people of North Dakota.

The Dakota Organic Act

The Dakota Organic Act was the legislation that was passed by the federal government in 1889 that allowed for the creation of the two states of North and South Dakota. This act allowed for the creation of a state government in each of the two states and provided for the election of a governor and other state officials. The Dakota Organic Act also provided for the creation of a state constitution and the establishment of a state legislature. This act was the first step in the process of creating the state of North Dakota.

The Dakota Organic Act also provided for the creation of a public school system in North Dakota. This was an important step in the development of the state as it allowed for the education of the people of North Dakota. This act also provided for the establishment of a state university and other higher education institutions in the state. This allowed for the development of a more educated workforce in North Dakota.

The Dakota Organic Act also provided for the establishment of a state court system in North Dakota. This allowed for the people of North Dakota to have access to the justice system and to have their grievances heard in a court of law. This was an important step in the development of the state as it allowed for the people of North Dakota to have access to justice.

North Dakota Becomes a State

Ratification of the statehood constitution

The process of North Dakota becoming a state began with the ratification of the statehood constitution. This document was created in 1889 by the North Dakota Constitutional Convention, which was held in Bismarck. The constitution was then put to a vote on October 1, 1889, and was approved by a majority of the citizens of North Dakota. This was a major step in the process of North Dakota becoming a state, as it established the framework for the state's government and laws. The constitution also outlined the rights of citizens, the structure of the state government, and the duties of the state's elected officials.

North Dakota’s admission to the Union

After the ratification of the statehood constitution, the next step in the process of North Dakota becoming a state was its admission to the Union. On November 2, 1889, President Benjamin Harrison signed a proclamation officially admitting North Dakota as the 39th state of the United States. This proclamation was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from the citizens of North Dakota, who had worked tirelessly to make their dream of statehood a reality. With this proclamation, North Dakota officially became a state and was given the same rights and privileges as the other states in the Union.

The admission of North Dakota to the Union was celebrated throughout the state, with parades and other festivities taking place in cities and towns across the state. This was a momentous occasion for the citizens of North Dakota, as it marked the official beginning of statehood for the new state. The admission of North Dakota to the Union also marked the beginning of a new era for the state, as it opened the door to a brighter future for the citizens of North Dakota.