News Releases for October 2009
October 30, 2009
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven: Happy Birthday, North Dakota!
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven wished North Dakota a happy birthday and encouraged citizens to commemorate the anniversary of the day in 1889 that North Dakota joined the Union as the 39th state. North Dakota will be 120 years old November 2. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the completion of the new Capitol building. State agencies began moving into the new building in the latter half of 1934 after having been relocated as a result of a fire that destroyed the original structure on December 28, 1930.
"This anniversary is a great occasion to celebrate our rich history and honor the generations of North Dakotans that built this state and paved the way for the growth and opportunity we enjoy today," Hoeven said. "The ideals and values rooted in our proud heritage will continue to shape North Dakota's future and inspire tomorrow's leaders."
On November 2, 1889, North Dakota was admitted to the Union when President Benjamin Harrison signed the Proclamation of Admission. South Dakota was also admitted on that day. The process towards statehood began on February 22, 1889, when President Grover Cleveland signed the Enabling Act. On October 1 of that year, North Dakota’s voters approved the state’s new constitution.
