Minot, North Dakota

:For other things named Minot see Minot (disambiguation).

History

Minot came into existence in 1886, when Jim Hill's Great Northern Railroad ended its push through the state for the winter, after having trouble constructing a trestle across Gassman Coulee. A tent town sprung up over night, as if by magic, thus the city came to be known as the Magic City.

Related Topics:
1886 - Jim Hill - Great Northern Railroad

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The townsite was chosen by the railroad to be placed on the land of then-homesteader Erik Ramstad. Mr. Ramstad was convinced to relinquish his claim, and became one of the city leaders.

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The town was named after Henry Davis Minot, a railroad investor and friend of Jim Hill. The city was incorporated on 28 June 1887.

Related Topics:
Henry Davis Minot - 28 June - 1887

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Later, the Soo Line was building a line from Valley City up to Canada. While initially their plan was to cross the Souris River some distance from Minot, local interests convinced them otherwise; landholders along the new route gladly donated the right-of-way. They reached Minot in 1893.

Related Topics:
Valley City - 1893

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Minot was a typical western boom town in its early years, with its share of vice and lawlessness. During Prohibition the city became known as "Little Chicago", as it was a central hub of Al Capone's liquor smuggling operations. Smugglers used a network of underground tunnels (some of which were previously built for heating or deliveries) to transport and conceal the illicit cargo. Some of the tunnels can still be accessed.

Related Topics:
Prohibition - Al Capone's

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The 1950s saw the construction of the Minot Air Force Base, a strategic bombing base. Not far away, Garrison Dam was built on the Missouri River

Related Topics:
1950s - Minot Air Force Base - Garrison Dam - Missouri River

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In 1969, a severe flood on the Souris River devastated the city. Afterward, the Army Corps of Engineers straightened the path of the river through the city and built several flood control structures.

Related Topics:
1969 - Souris River - Army Corps of Engineers

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