Camp Hancock, site of Bismarck’s oldest standing building, will be the scene of an historic restoration and commemoration on Saturday, October 14th at 2:00 P.M., when a newly installed, ground mounted flag pole will be dedicated to historic Bismarck and the memory of Myron and Marjory Atkinson. The public is invited and encouraged to come to the dedication at Camp Hancock, located on Main Avenue between North 2nd Street and North 3rd Street, in downtown Bismarck.
Originally built in 1872 as an infantry post located in Bismarck’s downtown core area, Camp Hancock had a ground mounted flag pole that was once a notable feature of the site. Years ago, the original flag pole was removed and the U.S. flag has since flown from a flag pole attached to the site’s only remaining original building which now serves as a museum.
The late Myron Atkinson, son of a pioneer Bismarck family, and a strong promoter of the old military post, along with his wife, Marjory, sponsored and promoted several improvement projects at the site in recent years. The latest improvement was the restoration of the ground mounted flag pole.
The Bismarck Historical Society and the State Historical Society of North Dakota accepted the challenge of completing the undertaking by providing project planning, administration, promotion and fundraising. Four local veterans’ organizations, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the AMVETS, and the Disabled American Veterans, contributed funds to the project along with the Atkinsons. All of these organizations will participate in the dedication ceremony on Saturday. Everyone is invited.