1. Fast growing modern city
Bismarck was the 7th fastest growing small city in 2014 according to Forbes.
With job growth from 2001-2014 up 15%, and per capita personal income growth of 35%, it’s hardly surprising Bismarck is growing so quickly.
2. Small population
One of the surprising things about Bismarck is that it has a much smaller population (61k) than Fargo (118k), and is the 2nd largest population in North Dakota.
Interestingly, around 15% of the state population live in Fargo.
3. Originally named Edwinton
There have been successive indigenous tribes of people living in the region, for thousands of years, including the Mandan Native American Tribe, who lived here the longest.
Bismarck was originally named Edwinton in 1872, after Edwin L. Johnson, a supporter of the transcontinental railroad. Before that, it was known as Missouri Crossing after the Lewis and Clark Expedition crossed there.
4. Became Bismarck in 1873
Edwinton had its name changed to Bismarck by the Northern Pacific Railway company in 1873, in honor of Otto Von Bismarck, to attract German investors and immigrant settlers to the region.
This plan was successful, as gold was discovered in the nearby Black Hills of South Dakota, and saw thousands of people move here.
5. Became state capital in 1889
Bismarck became the state capital in 1889, when North Dakota was created from Dakota Territory and admitted to the Union.
6. State Capitol Building
The State Capitol Building is the tallest building in the state, at 241ft tall.
One of the fun facts about Bismarck, is that it has the only asymmetrical state building in the USA.
7. Bismarck Tribune
The local newspaper, the Bismarck Tribune, has been publishing news about Bismarck and the surrounding areas since 1873, making it the oldest continuously running business here.
8. Bismarck holds a Guinness World Record
In 2007, 8,962 people turned themselves into snow angels at the State Capitol Grounds, in an event organized by the State Historical Society of North Dakota, earning themselves a Guinness World Record.
Bismarck has 4 distinct seasons.
The warmest month is July, which has an average temperature of 85.5°F, whilst January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of just 18.1°F.
Perhaps you’ll be surprised to learn that despite the cold snowy winters here, North Dakota is a leading grower of sunflowers for sunflower oil, which makes for stunning views in the summer.
10. The Great Outdoors
One of the best things about Bismarck is the large parks and a network of exercise trails means that everyone can enjoy the great outdoors in and around the state capital.
From hiking and fishing, to mountain biking, golf and outdoor pools, there really is something for everyone here.
There’s no reason to stay indoors even when it’s cold.
Now you’ve learnt some things you didn’t know about Bismarck, perhaps we can tempt you to come here. Why not discover 10 exciting things to do in Bismarck?
If you do decide to move here, or live here already, we’d love to help you with any home maintenance or repair jobs you need doing.