North Dakota ( The Peace Garden State / The Sioux State ) North Dakota got its name from the Dakota division of the Sioux Indians who lived on the plains before the Europeans arrived. "Dakota" means "friend." In 1889, North Dakota was admitted to the Union as the 39th state. On the same day, South Dakota was admitted. North Dakota lies in the center of the North American continent. It is mainly a farm state and most of its industries (food processing and farm equipment) are connected to farming. Farms and ranches stretch from the flat Red River Valley, in the east, across rolling plains, to the rugged Badlands in the west. North Dakota's crisp autumn days attract hunters to streams and lakes where migrating fowl pause on their way south. Summer visitors to the state enjoy the exciting rodeos that are held in numerous communities and colorful Indian ceremonies that are conducted on reservations in the state. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in North Dakota include: The Flag of North Dakota Entered the Union in 1889 as the 39th State; flag adopted in 1911. A military flag with a modified version of the United States coat of arms was carried by the Dakota Territorial Guard and later the North Dakota National Guard. The State flag is a modified version of those banners.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Fargo, 90,599; Bismarck, 55,532; Grand Forks, 49,321; Minot, 36,567; Mandan, 16,718; Dickinson, 16,010; Jamestown, 15,527; West Fargo, 14,940; Williston, 12,512; Wahpeton, 8,586   Business and Trade in North Dakota Agriculture: Wheat, cattle, barley, sunflowers, milk, sugar beets. Industries: Food processing, machinery, mining, tourism. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Western Meadowlark Flower: Wild Prairie Rose (rosa arkansana) Tree: American Elm (ulmus americana) Song(s): North Dakota Hymn Motto: Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable North Dakota Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery - Riverdale • Valley City National Fish Hatchery - Valley City • Lake Elsie NWR - Cayuga • Slade National Wildlife Refuge - Moffit • Homme Lake - Valley City

Capital: Bismarck     Local Weather  Statehood: 1889-11-02  Population: 642,200 (9.3 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 70,699.79     Water 1,723.86     Land 68,975.93     Rank 17th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In North Dakota, there are 289,677 housing units, averaging to 4.2 per sq mile. Posters and Artwork North Dakota Flag Art Print 11" x 17" • Wild Colors of Sunflowers, Jamestown, North Dakota, USA Photographic Print 16" x 12" • Hay Bales near Bottineau, North Dakota, USA Photographic Print 16" x 12" • Canoers on Lake Metigoshe at Sunset, North Dakota, USA Photographic Print 12" x 16" • Cowboys Roping a Calf, North Dakota, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20" • Sunrise over a Grassland, North Dakota, USA Photographic Print 24" x 8"