History of Bismarck, North Dakota Northern Pacific, which survived bankruptcy and continued the railroad. Upon emerging from bankruptcy, construction immediately commenced on a $1 million bridge to span the Missouri River. The first passenger train crossed the Missouri in 1882, bringing never-ending traffic to the area. The territorial capital of Dakota Territory was moved from Yankton to Bismarck in 1883, putting Bismarck in the national spotlight. Local political boss Alexander McKenzie is credited for achieving the new role for Bismarck. When the Dakota Territory was split into two states, North Dakota and South Dakota, Jamestown, ND was chosen as the new state capital for North
North Dakota State Library that point, the library moved this time to the Randal Building north of the city. The agency's name was changed to the North Dakota State Library in 1979, which is still its name today. In 1982, the State Library returned to the Liberty Memorial Building, its present location. The State Library specializes in information services to state agencies and to the general public. North Dakota State Library's departments include: Administration, Digital Initiatives, Field Services, Interlibrary Loan, Information Technology, Public Awareness, Public Services, State Document Depository, Statewide Catalog Development, Talking Books, Technical Services, and Training. North Dakota State Library staff produce