Today in North Dakota History

December 3, 1920

Ivanhoe Chapter of DeMolay at Grand Forks, North Dakota's first chapter of the organizational the nation's 14th, received its "letters Temporary" preliminary to official chartering the next month.

December 15,1888

Maxwell Anderson, University of North Dakota graduate who became a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, was born at Atlantic, Pa.

December 15, 1890

Sioux leader Sitting Bull was killed on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

December 20, 1935

Governor William Langer acquitted at third trial on charges of illegal solicitation of political funds.

December 22, 1944

The Missouri Basin flood control and water development plan was approved by Congress, authorizing construction of Garrison Dam and other projects.

December 25, 1804

The American flag was raised over Fort Mandan by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, probably the first time that the flag floated over what was to become North Dakota soil.

December 28, 1930

State Capitol building destroyed by fire.

December 28, 1920

The State Capitol was destroyed by fire.

December 29, 1809

The first white child in what was to become North Dakota was born in Pembina.

December 29, 1807

The first white child of record born in North Dakota at Pembina to Mr. and Mrs. John Scart.

December 30, 1797

The Hidatsa Indians were visited in their village by David Thompson, known as the world's greatest practical land geographer. Thompson was an employee of the Northwest Fur Company of Canada.

December 30, 1797

David Thompson, second white explorer of North Dakota Territory, arrived at Knife River. Made first map of territory.