Mercer County, North Dakota

Early Norwegian Settlement

In 1883, Albert J. Hansen from Helgeland and his wife came alone from Glenwood, Minnesota, to Stanton, North Dakota, where they settled. Later that same year came Hans Finstad and Ole A. Finstad from Nordre Land, together with H. G. Bagley from Numedal. The settlement that took Bagley’s name lay along the border between Mercer and Oliver Counties. Mandan, about twenty-five miles away, was the settlers’ nearest market. Wheat farming and cattle raising became the county’s principal sources of income. Oluf Hansen, son of Albert J. Hansen, was the first white child born in the area. He was born in July 1883.

Ole Finstad’s Recollections

Ole Finstad recalled that after arriving at Stanton, the settlers drove out across the prairie to inspect the land. Everything was still undeveloped, and during their travels they saw only deer, antelope, and Indians. They nevertheless decided to settle there and dug dugouts for use during the first year. Later, when they were able to obtain timber from the opposite side of the Missouri River, they built proper houses.

Churches and Congregations

There was a Norwegian congregation in the area belonging to the United Church.

Sources:

[Ulvestad, Martin. Nordmændene i Amerika. Utg. History Book Company's Forlag. Minneapolis, Minn. 1907.]