Some People Don’t Know That North Dakota Was the First to Do These 6 Things

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

The biggest tourist town in the state, Medora, is named after the wife of a Frenchman who had a large impact not only on the state but on 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 live cattle by rail 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

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

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 commemorative building stands in its place. The original building was constructed 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.

4. License plate tabs

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 the rest of the country. Interestingly, the entire story of the tags is written on Milo's gravestone.

5. State-run banks

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 promote industrial growth in the state, from agriculture to other forms of commerce.

6. Official laws for use of police drones

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 enact a 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.