On June 9, Major Powell received telegraphed notice from the US Department of the Army that Fort Lincoln was to be abandoned. A followup letter the following week was to outline the disposition of the troops and materials currently stationed at the fort. Government operations continued at the site until the fort's post office was officially closed in 1894.
Click to Open
The Mandan Roller Mill underwent major expansions during the year. In August, a new wood barrel-making operation began to supply the wood barrels to package the flour. Construction began on a warehouse addition to hold over 2000 barrels as well as a 50 thousand bushel grain elevator to the north of the mill. And later that same year, the mill was sold to the ND Millers' Association, a group of North Dakota-based banks and individuals.
1892
The year started with the traditional well attended bachelor's New Year's reception party. The venue was nicely arranged and decorated and illuminated with pink shade lamps. Dainty refreshments were gallantly served to the women. At the end of the evening, each lady received a souvenir card together with a bouquet of cut flowers specially imported from Fargo.
Monday January 25 saw the opening of the State Bank of Morton County. The officers of the bank were W.A. Lanterman, President; H.R. Porter, Vice-President; and C.A. Kinney, Cashier.
State Bank of Morton County c1906
The building is 22'x 30'. The walls and ceilings of the banking room are richly frescoed in oil with rich floral borders and dados, "representing the iridescent hues of the rainbow." The fixtures and desks were constructed of solid carved cherry wood, and the floor inlayed of a wood parquette design. The front is of French plate glass, one large pane 10'x12' placed in an oblong position surmounted with an assortment of smaller white and colored panes.
The first deposit subject to check was from Mrs. A.R. McDonald. The first savings deposit was the 500 pennies of three-year-old LaRue Shaw, son of Attorney Shaw.
1893
1894
Hard financial times followed the Market Panic of 1893. Wheat and farm commodity prices fell in late Spring, and tax revenues and area incomes fell. The excessive spending approved by the Legislature almost bankrupted the State.
1897
A young cowboy known as Lee Allen had drifted into Mandan and began working at the Mackin Ranch south of Mandan. Allen locked the nineteen-year-old rancher’s son in the cellar and then robbed the house, escaping with a stolen horse and saddle. After learning that Allen had subsequently found work in Montana, Morton County Sheriff Charles McDonald traveled the two hundred miles, surprised Allen as he slept on his gun and returned him to Mandan to stand trial. Allen’s real name was Frank James, a cousin of the notorious James brothers. He had escaped from the South Dakota state prison prior to coming to Mandan.
1899
The MHSoc's museum and office is located at 3827 30th Avenue NW; Mandan, ND 58554 Contact us at info@mandanhistory.org
