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 in the state. Its economy was since its early days has been heavily based on production of agricultural products such as wheat, flaxseed, and cattle, however its farming industry has declined and the state has suffered population decline in formerly heavy farming areas.
Read more about History Of North Dakota: Early History, 20th Century, 21st Century, Themes in North Dakota History
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