Bonanza farms were very large farms established in the western United States during the late nineteenth century. They conducted large-scale operations, mostly cultivating and harvesting wheat . Bonanza farms developed as a result of a number of factors, including the efficient new machinery of the 1870s, cheap abundant land available during that period, the growth of eastern markets in the U.S., and completion of most major railroads between the farming areas and markets.
61-495: The Grand Forks Park District is a government agency of Grand Forks, North Dakota . The Park District was founded in 1905 and levies its own taxes separately from local government. The Park District was founded in 1905. The parks in the district include: Upcoming park include: The mission statement of the Grand Forks Park District: Grand Forks, North Dakota Grand Forks is
122-499: A Japanese garden . The Park District also operates eleven outdoor skating rinks and indoor ice arenas: Purpur Arena, Eagles Arena, Blueline Club Arena,Gambucci Arena, Rydell Arena, and Judd arena. The district also owns the Choice Health & Fitness. There are several golf courses in the city and the surrounding area. The Park District operates the 18-hole, Arnold Palmer -designed, links style King's Walk Golf Course and
183-650: A "national historic district" and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The newer neighborhoods of Grand Forks developed in the city's southern and western parts. The 32nd Avenue South corridor has been the commercial center of the city since 1978, when the Columbia Mall opened. Many big box stores and restaurants are now along the avenue. A large strip mall, called the Grand Forks Marketplace, opened in 2001 near
244-479: A city in and the county seat of Grand Forks County , North Dakota , United States. The city's population was 59,166 as of the 2020 census , making it the third-most populous city in the state, after Fargo and Bismarck . Grand Forks, along with its twin city of East Grand Forks, Minnesota , forms the center of the Grand Forks metropolitan statistical area, which is often called Greater Grand Forks or
305-542: A consulting role for businesses, such as identifying suitable sites for expansion or assembling public funding packages. Its other key role is to vet businesses to see if they are suitable for funding by the Growth Fund. Community leaders have long seen UND as an "economic engine" for the city. Besides its regular faculty, it also has business-like components such as the Energy and Environmental Research Center . UND hosts
366-473: A few warm days sometimes occur as late as October. Spring and autumn are short and highly variable seasons. Record temperature extremes range from −43 °F (−42 °C) on January 11, 1912, to 109 °F (43 °C) on July 12, 1936. The daily mean temperatures of the Grand Forks winters are associated with subarctic climates with frequent subzero temperatures. Due to the extended warm period of daily means above 50 °F (10 °C) from May to September,
427-520: A gallery, and space for artists. The Fire Hall Theatre, also downtown, is used by community members to put on several theater productions each year. The Summer Performing Arts Company (SPA) is a popular summer arts program for area K–12 students. SPA stages three major musicals mid-July. The Myra Museum, on Belmont Road near the Greater Grand Forks Greenway , is a small history museum with exhibits that trace local history from
488-536: A glacial lake called Lake Agassiz . The valley is formed from the ancient lake bed. The ancient beaches can still be seen as rolling hills west of the city. Grand Forks has several distinct neighborhoods. The area adjacent to the Red River developed first; this is where some of the oldest neighborhoods, including the downtown area, can be found. The area between downtown and the University of North Dakota campus
549-466: A household in the city was $ 34,194, and the median income for a family was $ 47,491. Males had a median income of $ 30,703 versus $ 21,573 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 18,395. About 9.3% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 14.6% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over. The economy of Grand Forks is not dominated by any one industry or sector. While agriculture continues to play
610-533: A number have been preserved. Bonanza farms were encouraged by John Wesley Powell who, by the 1870s, had found that the land he studied needed larger-scale irrigation systems that would lead to larger areas of land being taken care of. Powell, a geologist, asserted that family-owned farms that had been in use in accordance to the Homestead Act of 1862 did not quite give the land the type of help required to keep it fit. Though less numerous than family farms,
671-400: A role in the area's economy, the city of Grand Forks now has a relatively diverse economy that includes public and private employers in sectors such as education, defense, health care, manufacturing, and food processing. The state and federal governments are two of the largest employers in the Grand Forks area. The University of North Dakota, in the heart of the city, is the largest employer in
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#1732798723448732-473: A technology incubator called the Center for Innovation. More recently, the University has been working to commercialize its research. A major thrust in that direction is the construction of a research park on the western fringes of the campus. Another potential economic opportunity for the city is the addition of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) mission to Grand Forks Air Force Base . Due at least in part to
793-753: Is a large park that runs the length of the Red River in the city. It includes an extensive path system, large festival grounds, ski trails, and wildflower gardens. Including the Greenway, the Andrew Hampsten Bikeway System in Grand Forks is over 43 miles (69 km) long. These paths are in The Greenway, next to major streets, and on the banks of the English Coulee. There are also two pedestrian/bicycle bridges that span
854-533: Is headquartered in Grand Forks and often performs at the Chester Fritz Auditorium. The Grand Forks City Band was formed in 1886 and still stages shows year round. The Empire Arts Center, in downtown Grand Forks , is home to several cultural events throughout the year. The Empire, a 1919 movie theater, was restored after the Flood of 1997 and now includes performance space, a large movie screen,
915-657: Is home to the University of North Dakota football team and also plays host to a variety of other events including major concerts. The Alerus Center is the largest arena and convention center complex in the upper Midwest area. The University of North Dakota hockey teams compete in the Ralph Engelstad Arena , in the University Village district of the UND campus. "The Ralph", as it is commonly called,
976-672: Is on the western bank of the Red River of the North in an area known as the Red River Valley . The term "forks" refers to the forking of the Red River with the Red Lake River near downtown Grand Forks. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has an area of 29.318 square miles (75.93 km ), of which 29.120 square miles (75.42 km ) is land and 0.198 square miles (0.51 km )
1037-472: Is served by Grand Forks International Airport and Grand Forks Air Force Base . The city's University of North Dakota is the oldest institution of higher education in the state. The Alerus Center and Ralph Engelstad Arena host athletic and other events, while the Empire Arts Center and Chester Fritz Auditorium are the city's largest cultural venues. Prior to settlement by Europeans,
1098-478: Is the Grand Forks Marketplace power center mall , which features three big box retailers and several smaller stores. Due to its proximity to Canada, the Greater Grand Forks area attracts many shoppers from Manitoba . The city government is involved in the economic development process, helping firms grow and attracting new firms. A portion of sales tax revenues is set aside for this, some going into
1159-428: Is water. Since it is in one of the flattest parts of the world, the city has few differences in elevation. There are no lakes within the city limits of Grand Forks, but the meandering Red River and the English Coulee flow through the community and provide some break in the terrain. The Red River Valley is the result of an ancient glacier carving its way south during the last ice age. Once the glacier receded, it formed
1220-636: The Dakota Territory in the 1870s and 1880s for its cheap land, and the population began to rise. Many established small family farms, but some investors bought thousands of acres for bonanza farms , where they supervised the cultivation and harvesting of wheat as a commodity crop. The city grew quickly after the arrival of the Great Northern Railway in 1880 and the Northern Pacific Railway in 1887. In 1883,
1281-463: The Frozen Four championship team eight times and the runner-up five times. The UND football team was the 2001 NCAA Division II champion and the 2003 runner-up. In 2006, the university announced that it would be moving its entire athletic program to Division I. Grand Forks is home to two major indoor athletic arenas. The city-owned Alerus Center opened in 2001. The Alerus Center
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#17327987234481342-517: The University of North Dakota was established, six years before North Dakota was admitted as an independent state born from the Dakota Territory . Grand Forks was the site of one of the deadliest tornadoes in North Dakota's history, then called an "inland hurricane," in 1887. The storm killed at least six people. During the first half of the 20th century, new residential neighborhoods were developed south and west of downtown Grand Forks . In
1403-456: The state-owned North Dakota Mill and Elevator , the nation's largest flour mill. SEI Information Technologies both operate call centers in Grand Forks. Other large private employers in the city include the locally owned Alerus Financial branch of banks, Home of Economy , and the locally owned Hugo's chain of supermarkets. The retail and service sector is also an important part of the economy. The historic center of shopping in Grand Forks
1464-426: The 19,677 households, 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.2% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.8% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.96. The median income for
1525-405: The 1920s, the state-owned North Dakota Mill and Elevator was constructed on the city's north side. In 1954, Grand Forks was chosen as the site for an Air Force base. Grand Forks Air Force Base brought thousands of new jobs and residents to the community. The military base and the University of North Dakota became integral to the city's economy. With construction of federal highways, during
1586-740: The 1997 flood. Two new, large sports venues opened in 2001: the Alerus Center and the Ralph Engelstad Arena . Six years later, the Winnipeg -based Canad Inns hotel chain added a 13-story hotel and waterpark connected to the Alerus Center. Grand Forks also surpassed pre-flood level population, area employment, and taxable sales in 2007. Grand Forks is 74 miles (119 km) north of the Fargo-Moorhead area and 145 miles (233 km) south of Winnipeg , Manitoba . Grand Forks
1647-504: The Bonanza operations began to be competitive with the smaller operations. Bonanza farmers pioneered the development of farm technology and economics. They used steam engines to power plowing as much as 4 decades before the modern farm tractor made its appearance - plows and combine harvesters drawn by steam tractors were used in the West in the 1880s and 1890s. The division of labor
1708-571: The Burtness Theater on campus. UND's Chester Fritz Auditorium also brings music and theater events to Grand Forks, including national touring companies of Broadway musicals . The Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra has been performing since 1905 and the Grand Forks Master Chorale was formed in 1983. Both groups stage productions each year at various locations in the community. The North Dakota Ballet Company
1769-602: The Columbia Mall. University Village is a new commercial district built on vacant lands owned by the University of North Dakota. The centerpiece of the Village is the Ralph Engelstad Arena, used by the university's North Dakota men's ice hockey team . All the buildings in the village have been built in a style similar style to those on the nearby UND campus. Restaurants and retail stores, as well as
1830-774: The Finance/Development Committee and Service/Safety Committee, each meet twice a month. All these meetings are broadcast on a local cable channel. According to the Uniform Crime Report statistics compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2023, there were 157 violent crimes and 1,609 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Of these, the violent crimes consisted of 0 murders, 37 forcible rapes, 13 robberies and 107 aggravated assaults, while 297 burglaries, 1,225 larceny-thefts, 84 motor vehicle thefts and 3 acts of arson defined
1891-586: The Grand Cities. Located on the western banks of the north-flowing Red River of the North , in a flat region known as the Red River Valley , the city is prone to flooding. The Red River Flood of 1997 devastated the city. Originally called Les Grandes Fourches by French fur traders from Canada, who had long worked and lived in the region, steamboat captain Alexander Griggs platted a community after being forced to winter there. The post office
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1952-623: The Grand Forks Growth Fund. Companies can request low-interest loans or grants from this fund provided they meet certain criteria, such as paying a relatively high wage and doing most of their business outside the city's trade region. The city also contributes to the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC), a public-private organization that receives funding from banks and other major businesses. The EDC plays
2013-596: The Ice Age, through settlement, and into the modern age. Other buildings on the Myra Museum grounds include the original 1868 Grand Forks Post Office, a 1917 one room school, and the historic Campbell House. College sports are popular in Grand Forks, with an intense following for the University of North Dakota . The UND men's ice hockey team competes in the NCAA Division ;I level and has been
2074-453: The Red River, connecting Grand Forks' and East Grand Forks' paths. University Park is one of the parks with an adjacent school, West Elementary School (1949), which was deliberately sited there to help serve the students' recreational and exercise needs. Grand Forks has a mayor-council government . The mayor, who is elected every four years, oversees the administration of city government and works directly with department heads to ensure
2135-402: The area where the city developed, at the forks of the Red River and Red Lake River for thousands of years, had been an important meeting and trading point for Native Americans . Early French explorers, fur trappers , and traders called the area Les Grandes Fourches, meaning "The Grand Forks". By the 1740s, French fur trappers relied on Les Grandes Fourches as an important trading post . This
2196-579: The city was 29.1 years. As of the 2020 census , there were 59,166 people, 25,446 households, and 12,305 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,121.6 inhabitants per square mile (819.2/km ). There were 27,718 housing units at an average density of 993.9 inhabitants per square mile (383.7/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 80.62% White , 4.77% African American , 2.84% Native American , 4.01% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 1.42% from some other races and 6.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 4.99% of
2257-421: The city's climate is still classified within the warm-summer humid continental temperature range. Although its summers are warm, Grand Forks has experienced subfreezing temperatures in all 12 months. As of the 2022 American Community Survey , there are 25,487 estimated households in Grand Forks with an average of 2.15 persons per household. The city has a median household income of $ 59,079. Approximately 16.4% of
2318-563: The city's population lives at or below the poverty line . Grand Forks has an estimated 70.1% employment rate, with 39.0% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 95.5% holding a high school diploma. The top nine reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were German (28.3%), Norwegian (25.6%), Irish (8.1%), English (4.9%), French (except Basque) (3.7%), Polish (3.1%), Subsaharan African (2.2%), Italian (1.4%), and Scottish (1.4%). The median age in
2379-578: The city, which was completed 10 years later. It required the relocation of numerous residents, as some neighborhoods were emptied for this construction. The floodplain bordering the Red River was later converted into a large park known as the Greater Grand Forks Greenway . This provided new recreation space for city residents on both sides of the river, as well as space for future floodwaters to be absorbed naturally by trees and other plants, without damage to infrastructure. New public and private developments have continued to expand Grand Forks's footprint since
2440-475: The city. Fargo was upstream from the bulk of the flood waters that season, and Winnipeg had built an extensive system of flood control structures in the 1960s. In 1997, Grand Forks suffered the most damage of any major city in the Red River Valley. During the height of the flooding, a major fire destroyed 11 buildings in the downtown area. The government began developing a new levee system to protect
2501-449: The city. The population density was 2,563.0 inhabitants per square mile (989.6/km ). There were 20,838 housing units at an average density of 1,082.8 inhabitants per square mile (418.1/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 93.35% White , 0.86% African American , 2.75% Native American , 0.96% Asian , 0.06% Pacific Islander , 0.58% from some other races and 1.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.87% of
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2562-534: The flat Red River Valley makes the city susceptible to spring flooding from the Red River of the North, and year-round windy conditions. As there are no nearby mountain ranges or bodies of water to ameliorate the climatic conditions, Grand Forks lies exposed to numerous weather systems, including bitterly cold Arctic high pressure systems. The city has long, very cold, and snowy winters. Summers are often warm to hot and often quite humid with frequent thunderstorms. Although warm weather normally ends soon after Labor Day ,
2623-415: The historic, 9-hole Lincoln Golf Course. The University of North Dakota operated the 9-hole Ray Richards Golf Course. However were forced to sell the course in 2016 leaving it abandoned but reopened in 2020. The 18-hole Grand Forks Country Club is directly south of the city. There are also golf courses in nearby East Grand Forks, Minnesota and Manvel, North Dakota . The Greater Grand Forks Greenway
2684-601: The metropolitan area. Grand Forks Air Force Base, just west of the city, employs a large number of civilian workers in addition to its military personnel. Altru Health System is the largest private employer in Grand Forks. According to the City's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the largest employers in the city are: Major manufacturers in Grand Forks include wind turbine manufacturer LM Wind Fiber and light aircraft manufacturer Cirrus Design . Major food producers include potato processor J. R. Simplot Company and
2745-483: The name was changed to the English "Grand Forks". Alexander Griggs , a steamboat captain, is regarded as "The Father of Grand Forks". Griggs' steamboat froze in the Red River on a voyage in late 1870, forcing the captain and his crew to spend the winter camping at Grand Forks. Griggs platted a community in 1875, and Grand Forks was officially incorporated on February 22, 1881. Thousands of settlers were attracted to
2806-643: The population. As of the 2010 census , there were 52,838 people, 22,260 households, and 11,275 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,654.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,024.9/km ). There were 23,449 housing units at an average density of 1,177.7 inhabitants per square mile (454.7/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 89.67% White , 2.01% African American , 2.87% Native American , 2.23% Asian (0.72% Bhutanese , 0.67% Chinese , 0.40% Indian , 0.36% Filipino ), 0.04% Pacific Islander , 0.73% from some other races and 2.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.79% of
2867-450: The population. The top six ancestry groups in the city are Norwegian (36.4%), German (34.7%), Irish (10.6%), French (6.5%), Polish (6.2%), English (6.1%). There were 21.4% under the age of 18, 22.9% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 18.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.2 males. Of
2928-441: The population. There were 22,260 households, of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.3% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 49.3% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
2989-467: The postwar years residential and business development became suburbanized, spreading to new areas as land was available. Interstate 29 was built on the western side of the city, and two enclosed shopping malls— South Forks Plaza and Columbia Mall —were built on the south side. The Red River had a history of seasonal flooding, aggravated by the broad ancient lake bed that formed the Red River Valley . The 1997 Red River flood caused extensive damage in
3050-493: The presence of the University of North Dakota , Grand Forks offers a variety of arts and cultural events. The North Dakota Museum of Art , on the UND campus, brings many nationally touring exhibits to Grand Forks as well as the work of regional artists. In addition to the Museum of Art, UND offers other gallery space for student art. UND also has Theater Arts and Music departments. Students stage theater productions each year at
3111-464: The proper provision of services. The mayor of Grand Forks is former NHL hockey player and real estate developer Brandon Bochenski . Bochenski defeated Michael Brown in the June 9, 2020, mayoral election. Brown served as mayor from 2000 to 2020. The city is divided into seven wards, with each ward electing a council member to a four-year term. The council meets twice a month and its two main committees,
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#17327987234483172-787: The property offenses. Bonanza farm Most bonanza farms were owned by companies and run like factories, with professional managers. The first bonanza farms were established in the mid-1870s in the Red River Valley in Minnesota and in Dakota Territory , such as the Grandin Farm . Developers bought land close to the Northern Pacific Railroad , for ease of transport of their wheat to market. Investors also organized bonanza farms farther west. Many bonanza farms were established in this period in North Dakota ;
3233-568: The same purpose to provide for residents downtown. Directly south of downtown, the streets of the Near Southside Historic District are lined with classic houses. Reeves Drive was once one of the city's most fashionable neighborhoods. It has many historic mansions exhibiting several unique architectural styles. This neighborhood has areas of original granitoid paving, several historic churches, and Lincoln Drive Park. The Near Southside neighborhood has been designated as
3294-563: The university bookstore, were developed in the area to stimulate community life. In 2006, the university opened a new wellness center for its students on the village's west side. Due to its location in the Great Plains and its distance from both mountains and oceans, Grand Forks has a warm-summer humid continental climate ( Köppen : Dfb ), USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4a. It has four very distinct seasons and great variation in temperatures over very short periods of time. Its location in
3355-438: Was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.87. The median age in the city was 28.4 years. 18.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 24.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 21.7% were from 45 to 64; and 10.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.2% male and 48.8% female. As of the 2000 census , there were 49,321 people, 19,677 households, and 11,058 families residing in
3416-578: Was French colonial territory. The United States acquired the territory from British Rupert's Land with the Treaty of 1818 , but indigenous tribes dominated the area until the late 19th century. After years of warfare, the United States made treaties to extinguish the land claims of the Ojibwe and other Native American peoples. When a U.S. post office was established on the site on June 15, 1870,
3477-655: Was another early growth area, and historic properties can be found here, as well. Downtown Grand Forks contains many recognized historic buildings. It is the governmental center of the city and county. It is also used as a gathering place for large community events and festivals. A farmer's market takes place every Saturday from mid-June to mid-September in the Town Square at the corner of 3rd Street S. and DeMers Avenue. In 2006, city leaders and developers announced plans to convert older office buildings into high-end condos and apartments , and to construct new buildings for
3538-409: Was applied in bonanza farms generations before family farms adapted to these modern ways. Farm boys from the midwest , working on bonanza farms in the early 20th century, transplanted these ideas to Corn Belt homesteads and built larger farms as the century progressed. The Frederick A. and Sophia Bagg Bonanza Farm is located in southeastern corner of North Dakota. The preserved Bagg Bonanza Farm
3599-414: Was established in 1870, and the town was incorporated on February 22, 1881. The city was named for its location at the fork of the Red River and the Red Lake River . Initially dependent on local agriculture, the city's economy has since broadened to include a wide variety of industries, including higher education, defense, health care, manufacturing, food processing, and scientific research. Grand Forks
3660-595: Was funded by UND benefactor Ralph Engelstad and opened in 2001 at a cost of over $ 100 million . Adjacent to the Ralph Engelstad Arena is the smaller Betty Engelstad Sioux Center . "The Betty" is the home of the University of North Dakota basketball and volleyball teams. The Grand Forks Park District , established in 1905, operates 14 neighborhood parks, 28 tennis courts, 2 swimming pools, and 3 splash parks. The parks include features such as playgrounds, baseball fields, softball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and picnic areas. Sertoma Park includes
3721-422: Was the downtown area. Today, downtown is home to small shops, bars, and restaurants. The south end of Grand Forks has become another major retail district, with three large shopping centers. The oldest, Grand Cities Mall , is on South Washington Street and contains small, locally owned stores and two churches. With about 70 stores, the city's largest indoor mall is Columbia Mall . The newest major shopping center
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