Bismarck establishes a new ordinance governing the assignment of street names and building numbers (July). The ordinance establishes principles that are largely in tact today, including designating the north/south/east/west boundaries and the base numbering system.
Soo Railroad reaches Bismarck (August)
The first motion picture is shown at The Antheneum – a stage house erected in 1880. The show was put on by the traveling Beaty Brothers using 6 projectors.
1903
President Theodore Roosevelt speaks from state capitol.
1904
State-owned streetcar line is completed connecting downtown with the State Capitol; it was disestablished in 1931
1905
Construction begins on the Will School (closed in 1951)
Bismarck’s last capital execution takes place at the penitentiary. The practice is outlawed in 1915.
Original superstructure of the Northern Pacific Railway bridge is replaced with steel that can handle heavier loads. The original granite piers, which still support the bridge to this day, were also shored up.
1906
Modern brick building for Grand Pacific Hotel is completed (demolished in 1974)
The beginnings of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce is founded as The Bismarck Commercial Club.
1907
Bismarck Indian School is established at the former site of Milwaukee Brewery, now Fraine Barracks… home of North Dakota’s National Guard. The school was approved by an act of Congress in 1901 and opens in 1908. It becomes an all-girls school in 1922 and closes in 1937.
Knowles Jewelry established, succeeding J.B. Cook and Company at the same location.
1908
Tribune/Hoskins Block expanded
Ground broken for new masonic temple at 113 N 3rd Street. It is occupied in about 1911, until 1964.
Company A Armory dedicated December 8
March 3: Gem Theater opens at 414 Main Avenue. It is later known as Orpheum Theater, Capitol Theater, and Cinema.
1909
New Bismarck Evangelical Hospital officially opens
A brick structure is erected at the corner of 2nd and Broadway. It is used as an armory for the National Guard and as the city’s first public gymnasium.
Original Grand Theater opens. It becomes Bismarck Theater in 1912 and closes in either 1921 or 1922.
