Freshly installed streetlight banners are adding color and pride to Bismarck’s Cathedral Area and Highland Acres Historic Districts, celebrating the city’s heritage.

Bismarck’s historic districts have long been cornerstones of the city’s identity, with unique architecture, tree-lined streets, and a deep cultural legacy. This week, city crews installed new decorative banners along key streets. Each banner highlights the distinct character of the Cathedral Area and Highland Acres neighborhoods while also unifying them under a broader “Historic Bismarck” theme.

These upgrades align with the city’s broader beautification and neighborhood preservation efforts, giving residents and visitors a visual reminder of Bismarck’s historic roots.

For residents, the banners are more than decoration—they’re symbols of pride and recognition. The Cathedral Area, known for its stately homes and the iconic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, and Highland Acres, one of the state’s first planned post-war neighborhoods, both hold deep sentimental and historical value for locals.

The new banners are strategically placed near schools, churches, and neighborhood hubs, making history visible in the everyday lives of Bismarck residents.

“The banners give our neighborhood a voice. They tell visitors this is a place worth remembering,” said Mary Olson, Cathedral Area resident.

“It’s a small touch, but it makes a big impact. Highland Acres is a unique piece of North Dakota history, and now it feels recognized,” added Tom Erickson, Highland Acres homeowner.

The new banners may be simple additions, but they mark a meaningful investment in Bismarck’s identity. By honoring neighborhoods that helped shape the city, the initiative strengthens community pride while giving future generations a visible connection to their past.

As one resident put it, “It’s not just fabric on a pole—it’s our story in the wind.”