Bismarck’s history—from its Native roots to Lewis & Clark’s passage and the city’s founding—continues to shape community identity in 2025.
Long before Bismarck became North Dakota’s capital, the area was home to Native tribes such as the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara. Their thriving villages along the Missouri River built the foundation of regional culture and trade. In 1804–1806, the Lewis & Clark Expedition passed through, documenting the land and forging alliances. By 1872, with the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway, the town of “Edwinton” was founded and later renamed Bismarck to honor German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck—an effort to attract European investment.
In 2025, Bismarck leaders and educators are doubling down on preserving and sharing this layered history. From tribal cultural centers to guided tours retracing Lewis & Clark’s route, residents and visitors alike are rediscovering how these stories influence the city’s character. Local schools are also integrating indigenous history into curricula, ensuring future generations understand the deep roots beneath modern Bismarck.
“Our city’s strength comes from acknowledging where we began,” said Mayor Mike Schmitz. “From the Native tribes to the railroad boom, each chapter adds to Bismarck’s resilience.”
Historian Angela Two Bears of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation added, “These lands carry stories of survival, innovation, and community. Honoring them isn’t just about the past—it’s about who we are today.”
As Bismarck grows, honoring its Native heritage, frontier exploration, and founding vision helps the community stay grounded. History here isn’t locked in museums—it’s alive in every trail, classroom, and neighborhood.
