North Dakota General Information Nickname: Peace Garden State State bird: Western Meadowlark State flower: Wild Prairie Rose Capital: Bismarck Date of admission to the Union: 2nd Nov 1889 Population: 642,200 (2000) Population density: 3.5/sq km 2000 total overseas arrivals: Under 50,000 Time: Central (GMT - 6) in the greater part of the State; Mountain (GMT - 7) in the southwest. Daylight Saving Time is observed. The State: North Dakota, one of the most rural States in the USA, is famous for its scenery and Old West heritage. Fargo, on the eastern border, is the State’s largest city. The metropolitan area of Fargo-Moorhead is a prime tourist destination, with attractions such as Plains Art Museum, Red River Zoo, Flight Museum, Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm and Bonanzaville (a restored pioneer village). The 70,000-acre Theodore Roosevelt National Park set in the Badlands of western North Dakota offers spectacular views and includes the restored cow-town of Medora. The park takes its name from Theodore Roosevelt, who bought a ranch here after his wife and his mother died on the same day. He found inspiration among the quiet canyons of ‘rough-rider country’, famously declaring ‘I never would have been President if it weren’t for my experiences in North Dakota’. The South Unit of the park features a 58km (36-mile) scenic automobile loop, an excellent way to see this area. On the loop itself, Wind Canyon is a constantly evolving site, formed by winds blowing against the soft clay. Still in the park, Peaceful Valley Ranch offers a variety of horseback excursions. Fort Lincoln, south of Mandan, was the final command and home of Lt Colonel George Custer, where he and his Seventh Cavalry departed for the Battle of Little Bighorn. On 25 June 1876, Custer’s entire command of 265 men were wiped out in a 20-minute battle with the Sioux, led by Sitting Bull, Gall and Crazy Horse. It is still possible to see Custer’s house and inspect the commissary and barracks of this famous fort. The On-A-Slant Indian Village nearby traces the area’s history from the first Native American settlements. Other North Dakota attractions include the recreation areas around Lake Sakakawea and the Little Missouri River; the Fort Union Trading Post and Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Sites; Fort Mandan; and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.