First Founders Day Celebration May 15, 6:30 – 8:00 P.M., Camp Hancock State Historic Site
Bismarck is now 140 years old and the Bismarck Historical Society will sponsor, in conjunction with the State Historical Society of North Dakota and the City of Bismarck, a public celebration of the event with a birthday party. Citizens are welcome and invited participate in the celebration!
The first Founders Day Celebration and birthday party will be held on Tuesday, May 15th on the grounds of the Camp Hancock State Historic Site, 101 East Main Avenue, 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. The Founders Day celebration will include a flag ceremony, patriotic music by the Elks Chorus, a reading of the Founders Day Proclamation by Mayor John Warford, a visit by Governor Jack Dalrymple, children’s activities, entertainment by Chuck Suchy and a birthday cake with ice cream! Attendees are advised to bring their own lawn chairs or other seating materials.
On May 14, 1872, the first known and documented, successful effort to intentionally establish a permanent city in the Euro-American cultural tradition was made within the current boundaries of Bismarck. Unlike several predecessor communities, Native American and Euro-American alike, this fledgling effort took root and grew and prospered and became the Bismarck of today.
To recognize the effort and to celebrate the town, its history and the many people who worked so hard to create the city we know, the Bismarck Historical Society decided to establish a Founders Day observance in May of each year, stating with this 140th year. The State Historical Society of North Dakota and Mayor John Warford agreed that the idea had merit and agreed to participate.
This event is intended to be the first of a continuing and expanding series of events leading to the 150th anniversary in 2022.
The Bismarck Historical Society is a local, privately funded, non-profit, public organization dedicated to
researching, recording, sharing and promoting the fascinating history of Bismarck.