History of North Dakota

North Dakota was first settled by Native Americans several thousand years ago. The first Europeans explored the area in the 18th century establishing some limited trade with the natives.

Much of the area was first organized by the United States as part of the Minnesota Territory and then the Dakota Territory in the 19th century. North Dakota gained statehood in 1889.

The railroads became the engine of settlement growth in the state. North Dakota's economy, has since its early days, has been heavily based on the production of agricultural products such as wheat, flaxseed, and cattle. Through other emerging economic sectors within the state and a decline of the farming industry due to agricultural mechanization, the state has seen population declines in formerly heavy farming areas.