North Dakota State College of Science - Agawasie Yearbook (Wahpeton, ND)

Page 10 text:

 he cPlgawasie The Old Capitol kinc; of a progressive aiul foresight-eil nature, the settlers aiul frontiersmen of the Dakota Territory predicted the forming of a state years before its actual formation aiul definite actions were taken. This same spirit moved the pioneers of the day to select the sites for various state institutions, before a state was legally formed. A group of kccn-mindcd men throughout the state were silently working up the enthusiasm of the settlers. Kverything was secretly arranged and on June 2. 1883. at a meeting held in Fargo, Bismarck was decided upon as the location for the new Capitol. On September 5 of the same year the cornerstone of the historic building was laid. Many notable dignitaries participated in this event, such as Henry Willcox, President of the N.P.; Kxt President Grant: William M. Kvarts: General Sherman; and Carter 1 larrison. The plans for this building, calling for a formidable structure, topped with a tower, were drawn up and presented by T. S. Buffington of Minneapolis. Because of lack of funds and adequate legislation. the original plans were never completed and the Capitol developed into a low. sprawling, unharmonious structure with additions “tacked on” as need arose. Such was the Capitol building up to December 28. 1930.

Page 12 text:

 he cjQvdwasie ( ) The Fire N Sixo.w morning, December 28. 1930, the citizens of North Dakota were startled by the realization of the fact that the once old historic Capitol was burning. By noon, there was nothing left of the building but the four bleak walls. Nearly everything had been destroyed including many of the records of the state and its history. l ew people realized the extent of loss at that time, but all of us were inconvenienced later on. Our state officers and their staffs were scattered throughout the city of Bismarck. For example, the Governor reigned supreme in a cubby hole on the second floor of the post office building, the l ax commission housed its records and transacted business in a store room vacated by the Montana-Da-kota Power Company. The 1 I ail Insurance Department held sway in the Stair Garage. Such was the condition of our State Government. The laws of the State provided for a reserve for a Capitol which amounted to three quarters of a million dollars. This, along with insurance amounting to $650,000, constituted a sum of about a million and a half available to erect a new structure and alleviate the state of affairs caused by the burning of the old Capitol.