Ward County, North Dakota Mineral Rights

Ward County, North Dakota

Ward County Courthouse

Ward County was established in 1885 by the Dakota Territory legislature – and named for Mark Ward – a member of the legislature.

Initial Boundaries

The initial boundaries of Ward County included what is now Burke County, Mountrail County, and Renville County – and was often known as ‘Imperial Ward’ County.

1910 Partition

In 1910, Burke County and Renville County were partitioned out of Ward County.

However, since the citizens of those new counties did not want the city of Kenmare to become their county seats, Kenmare remained in Ward County – isolated in a northern strip of land.

2000 Ancestry Composition

As of the 2000 Census,

34.7% of Ward County residents were of German ancestry,
and
27.9% of Norwegian ancestry.

2012 Per Capita Income

As of 2012, the per capita personal income of Ward County was $54,230.

2010 Population

As of the 2010 Census, the population of Ward County was 61,675.

County Seat

The city of Burlington was the original county seat for Ward County.

However, the county seat was moved to Minot in 1888.

Minot

Minot is the fourth largest city in the state, with a population of 40,888 as of the 2010 Census.

However, as a result of recent growth, its current population has been estimated to be between 46,000 and 47,000 permanent residents.

Great Northern Railway

Minot was founded in 1886 when James J. Hill’s Great Northern Railway came to the area.

The city of Minot was named after Henry D. Minot, a friend of James J. Hill, and an investor in his railroad.

For a time, Minot was the western end of the Great Northern Railway line.

As a result of the railroad’s presence, the population of the city increased to over 5,000 residents during its first five months

Soo Line Railroad

In 1893, the Soo Line Railroad – officially known as the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad – also built a rail line through Minot – which ran up to Canada.

Crime Capitol of North Dakota

Due to its rapid expansion and the influx of railroad workers, Minot and its surrounding area became known as the “crime capitol of North Dakota” during the early part of the 20th century.

During the Prohibition years of the 1920s, Minot was a center of illegal activities, and a key component of Chicago mobster Al Capone’s bootlegging operations.

As a result of illegal liquor, prostitution, and even opium operations, Minot was often referred to as “Little Chicago” during such years.

In the 1940s and 1950s, federal government projects dominated the region’s economy, with the construction of:

an air force base, thirteen miles north of the city,
and
the Garrison Dam, about fifty miles (80 km) south of the city on the Missouri River.

Berthold

Berthold is the 5th largest town in Ward County, North Dakota, with a population of 454 as of the 2010 Census.

It is home to a significant grain elevator.

Carpio

Carpio is the 8th largest town in Ward County, North Dakota, with a population of 157 as of the 2010 Census.

It is also home to a significant grain elevator.

Carpio Elevator Stock Certificate

My great-grandfather homesteaded 160 acres just outside of Carpio, and my father was born and raised in that town.

Vince Dahle on a horse

2013 Drilling Activities

As of November 30, 2013, there was one active drilling rig operating in Ward County.

Gary C. Dahle
Attorney at Law
2704 Highway 10
Mounds View, MN 55112

Phone: 763-780-8390 Fax: 763-780-1735 gary@dahlelaw.com

Licensed in Minnesota and North Dakota

Legal Disclaimer

Information provided herein is only for general informational and educational purposes.

Minnesota and North Dakota attorney Gary C. Dahle does not represent oil companies – only owners of North Dakota mineral and royalty interests, and is currently accepting new clients.

Attorneys not licensed in North Dakota are invited to refer possible North Dakota probate issues to Minnesota and North Dakota attorney Gary C. Dahle, at 763-780-8390, or gary@dahlelaw.com.

Gary C. Dahle has represented clients from the countries of Canada, Norway, and Sweden, and the states of Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin in the United States, with respect to North Dakota mineral rights and probate issues in various North Dakota Counties.