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Grand Forks, North Dakota

Located in Grand Forks County, North Dakota, Grand Forks was established in 1870. The 1997 Red River flood devastated the city — 75% of homes damaged or destroyed. University of North Dakota is the state's oldest university.
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Founded 1870 | Population 59,000 | Peak 59,000 (2024) | County Grand Forks County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Grand Forks, North Dakota

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1870 Founded: Red River settlement.
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1942 Military Presence: Military installations became a major part of Grand Forks's identity and economy.
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1997 Flood: Catastrophic Red River flood destroys much of city.
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1997 Higher Education: Educational institutions helped define Grand Forks's character and economy.
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2010 Modern Era: Grand Forks continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in Grand Forks

Jan 1, 1970
Alleged Leaked Photos Of Kristi Noem’s Husband Stir More Controversy After Her Recent Firing 
The husband of a high-profile political figure is suddenly in the spotlight after explosive allegations surfaced in a tabloid repo…
Jan 1, 1970
North Dakota Man Camps Battle Pending Ban Oil Capital
BISMARCK, North Dakota – Back in early March 2016, a determined resident of this oil-rich state found himself at the center of a…

Complete Historical Timeline

1870 Culture
Founded
1942 Government
Military Presence
1997 Disaster
Flood
1997 Culture
Higher Education
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
The 1997 Red River flood devastated the city — 75% of homes damaged or destroyed.
2
University of North Dakota is the state's oldest university.
3
Named for the forks of the Red River and Red Lake River.
4
Grand Forks is located in Grand Forks County, North Dakota.
5
Grand Forks was founded in 1870.

Famous People from Grand Forks, North Dakota

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James Rosenquist
Photographer, Artist · Born Nov 29, 1933 · Died Mar 31, 2017 (age 83)
AR
Alan Ritchson
Actor, Singer · Born Nov 28, 1982 · Age 43
LA
Lynn Anderson
Actor, Singer · Born Sep 26, 1947 · Died Jul 30, 2015 (age 67)
LP
Leonard Peltier
Prisoner, Political Activist · Born Sep 12, 1944 · Age 81
DM
Doug McDermott
Basketball Player · Born Jan 3, 1992 · Age 34

Other Cities in North Dakota

View all North Dakota cities →
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Fargo
Pop. 141,434
B
Bismarck
Pop. 76,000
M
Minot
Pop. 49,000
W
Williston
Pop. 29,160
D
Dickinson
Pop. 25,679
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