Edwinton was formed in 1872 but to draw peoples from Europe it was renamed after Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck one year later.

The bridge becomes a gateway to the west.

So Bismarck started out as Edwinton in 1872. In a shrewd public relations move, in 1873 they changed the name to Bismarck honoring the popular German Chancellor of the day. The change was made to attract German immigrants. The strategy worked like a charm, just look at a Bismarck phone book under "Sch..". Schroeder, Schaefer, Schaff, Schimdt, etc. Now to sell these Germans some stuff!

So for the most part, we're looking for the oldest business that is still in operation.

But for interest's sake, there are some other business watersheds I'll toss out there.  The order isn't chronological and the list is here for y'all to complete.

That's where we'd like to hear additional comments from you.

Let's take a peek and we'll see if you know what business is the oldest?

Bismarck Businesses That Have Been Around A Long Time.

There you go!  The Bismarck Tribune has been publishing newspapers since 1873.  If you're under the age of 30 ask your parents what a newspaper is. It's a pretty interesting story as I remember.

You also might want to ask them what a "phone book" is... a very similar story.

So there are a bunch of businesses that are maybe near and dear to you.  I would really like to have you share your comments and then share the story.  A lot of history can only be found through personal accounts and I'd love to hear yours.

Established when?

If you'd like to review some very interesting sites that proved some real in-depth Bismarck history simply click here, here, here, or here.


Origin Of North Dakota City Names Volume 1

Great shots of rural America.

Origin Of North Dakota City Names Volume 2

Great shots of rural America.

Origin Of North Dakota City Names Volume 3

Trailblazers and homesteaders

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