Minot, North Dakota

Known as the "Magic City" for its seemingly overnight growth when the Great Northern Railway arrived, Minot is the hub of northwestern North Dakota and home to Minot Air Force Base, a key installation in America's nuclear deterrent. The city hosts the Norsk Høstfest, North America's largest Scandinavian festival.

Founded 1886 | Population 49,000 | Peak 49,000 (2024) | County Ward County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Minot, North Dakota

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1886Magic City: Minot sprang up virtually overnight when the Great Northern Railway arrived, earning its "Magic City" nickname.

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1956Air Force Base: Minot AFB was established, becoming home to nuclear-armed B-52 bombers and Minuteman missiles.

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1978Norsk Høstfest: North America's largest Scandinavian festival was established, celebrating the region's Nordic heritage.

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2011Souris River Flood: Historic flooding of the Souris River inundated over 4,000 homes, the worst flood in the city's history.

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2014Oil Boom Impact: The Bakken oil boom brought rapid population growth and economic change to the Minot region.

Complete Historical Timeline

1886 Transport

Magic City

1956 Government

Air Force Base

1978 Culture

Norsk Høstfest

2011 Disaster

Souris River Flood

2014 Industry

Oil Boom Impact

Famous People from Minot, North Dakota

Josh Duhamel

Actor, Voice Actor · Born Nov 14, 1972 · Age 53

Wiz Khalifa

Actor, Businessperson · Born Sep 8, 1987 · Age 38

Gary Johnson

Businessperson, Politician · Born Jan 1, 1953 · Age 73

Greg Raymer

Poker Player · Born Jun 25, 1964 · Age 61

Mary Osborne

Singer, Jazz Guitarist · Born Jul 17, 1921 · Died Mar 4, 1992 (age 70)

Minot, North Dakota

Top 10 Most Important Events for Minot, North Dakota

Complete Historical Timeline

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Famous People from Minot, North Dakota