Belden, North Dakota Explained

Belden is a ghost town located in Sikes Township in Mountrail County, North Dakota, United States. It is located along North Dakota Highway 8 between Stanley and the former town of Van Hook. The village was founded in 1904, and was reportedly named for W. L. Belden, North Dakota's Indian agent at-large who was stationed at Fort Berthold Indian Reservation at the time.[1]

History

Belden was founded in 1904 by Finnish settlers when the area was still part of Ward County.[2] [3] The village never exceeded a population of more than 25. The post office was established in 1904 as well, and operated continuously until 1986 with the ZIP code of 58715. The Belden Store was considered a local landmark.[1] Today, Belden has a population of about 20, with a couple of young families growing the number over the past decade.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Wick, Douglas A. . North Dakota Place Names . 1988. Hedemarken Collectibles . Bismarck, North Dakota. 14 . 0-9620968-0-6 . 191277027.
  2. Book: Williams, Mary Ann (Barnes) . Origins of North Dakota Place Names. Bismarck Tribune, 1966. Bismarck, North Dakota. 205 . 1966. 431626.
  3. Book: Patera, Alan H. . John S. Gallagher. North Dakota Post Offices, 1850-1982 . 1982. The Depot . Burtonsville, Maryland. 99–101 . 09763647 .