If you’re interested in learning fun facts about North Dakota inventions and firsts, you’ve come to the right place. Discover how this often-overlooked state has been a trailblazer in various fields. In this article, we will dive into six groundbreaking achievements that took place right here in North Dakota. From innovative inventions to groundbreaking legislation, you’ll be amazed by the rich history and the incredible contributions this state has made. So, buckle up as we journey through these fascinating answers to the question, “What was invented in North Dakota?”

1. Changed the way meat was transported

thewestend/Flickr
The biggest tourist town in the state, Medora, is named after the wife of a French man who had not only a large impact on the state, but the meat industry as well. Marquis de Mores, the man, moved to North Dakota and staked quite a bit of land to start a cattle ranch. He realized while doing this that shipping the live cattle in rail cars to the east coast stockyards for processing was quite inefficient. His revolutionary idea was to process the meat right there on his farm, then ship the pre-packaged meat in train cars full of ice to wherever it needed to go. Unfortunately, the east coast stockyard owners were none too thrilled about this. They worried it would ruin their business, so they refused to buy meat from him, ultimately causing him to give up on his ranching endeavors.

2. The very start of Kodak

tom-margie/Flickr
That timeless name may make a little more sense now. A North Dakotan man named David Henderson Houston invented the Kodak camera and sold it to the founder of the company, George Eastman. The name came from the letters in 'Dakota,' as well as Eastman's desire for a name that was easy to remember, unique, and would become a household name.

3. The first mosque in the United States

Joel Bradshaw via Wikimedia Commons
This one may come as a surprise to most. It is believed that the first mosque in the entire United States was built in North Dakota, just outside the small town of Ross. The original structure was torn down some decades ago and now this building stands in its place. The original building was built by homesteaders just like all the others coming to the state - seeking land and a better life. Many people come to see it today for its special place in history.

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4. License plate tabs

Absecon 49 via Wikimedia Commons
Whether you call them tabs, tags, stickers, or otherwise - every car on the road in the country requires an up-to-date one. This started in none other than North Dakota by a DMV worker named Lenard Milo. It started as a requirement in this state only, then spread to everywhere else. Interestingly enough, the entire story of the tags is written out on Milo's gravestone.

5. State-run banks

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
North Dakota was the first, and remains the only, state to have a state-run bank. The Bank of North Dakota was established in 1919 to help promote industry growth in the state from anything to the agriculture industry to other forms of commerce.

6. Official laws for use of police drones

Blondinrikard Fröberg / Flickr
This was big news more recently. North Dakota was the first state to put a law in the books about the use of police drones. A common misconception is that they were the first to allow police drones with nonlethal weapons (such as tasers), but other states allow them, too, usually because there are no laws prohibiting them. North Dakota was just the first state to make any sort of law regarding the subject. The law also states that lethal weapons are prohibited, which most other states do not have a law against.

Did any of these things invented in North Dakota surprise you? Some of them certainly did me! The name ‘Kodak’ makes a lot more sense now, that’s for sure. Now, if someone asks you, “What was invented in North Dakota” you’ll have a few interesting things to tell them.

Looking to learn more about life in North Dakota? Check out what life was like in 1935 in North Dakota.

Take A Look At What Life Was Like In 1935 In North Dakota

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Fun Facts About North Dakota

Luke | May 03, 2023

What is North Dakota famous for?

Famed for its captivating Badlands, North Dakota is home to the expansive 70,000-acre Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It was during Roosevelt's 1883 trip to the Dakota Territory in pursuit of bison that he developed a passion for preserving the natural beauty of the land. This experience would later inspire him to establish the first national parks, leaving a lasting legacy of conservation.

What are the best outdoor summer activities to do in North Dakota?
Some of the best outdoor summer activities in North Dakota include:

  1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit: Discover the park's breathtaking scenic drive, nature trails, and diverse wildlife.
  2. Lake Metigoshe State Park: Delight in canoeing, kayaking, and fishing within the crystal-clear waters of Lake Metigoshe, nestled in the Turtle Mountains.
  3. Woodland Resort: Head to Devils Lake for superb boating, fishing, and amenities such as cabins and guided ice fishing packages.
  4. Maah Daah Hey Trail: Venture along this 144-mile trail for hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife spotting within Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
  5. King's Walk Golf Course: Tee off at the Arnold Palmer signature course in Grand Forks, boasting a distinctive links-style design.
  6. North Country National Scenic Trail: Stroll through open prairies and striking scenery on this footpath connecting seven northern states.
  7. Lund's Landing Marina & Lodge: Experience this resort's delicious homemade cuisine, boating, birdwatching, and unique offerings.
  8. Pembina Gorge: Immerse yourself in this picturesque destination by hiking, canoeing, or kayaking along the stunning Pembina River.
  9. Bully Pulpit Golf Course: Test your skills at this captivating 18-hole course set amidst the dramatic Badlands landscape.
  10. Garrison: Enjoy recreational fishing at the nation's largest man-made lake, Lake Sakakawea.

If you plan to visit any of these interesting attractions in North Dakota, rent an RV from RVShare and make it a fun family road trip.

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