The location was once part of Bismarck’s first cemetery, which operated between 1873 and 1877. The discovery dates back to May, when workers installing a new fence near the governor’s residence encountered human remains.
The location was once part of Bismarck’s first cemetery, which operated between 1873 and 1877. The discovery dates back to May, when workers installing a new fence near the governor’s residence encountered human remains. Many of the people originally buried there were later moved to St. Mary’s Cemetery and Fairview Cemetery during the 1880s. The discovery suggests that some burials may have remained behind despite those historic efforts to relocate graves, the report adds.
Previous discoveries occurred during construction of a trolley line near the southwest corner of the Capitol property in 1903. Remains were also found in 1959 while the previous governor’s residence was being constructed. Lawmakers approved $2.35 million last year for security improvements, including a new perimeter fence and an extension to the driveway. By September 1, archaeological work associated with the discovery was estimated to have cost the state an additional $155,000.
The latest discovery therefore forms part of a longer archaeological story beneath the modern government complex, where layers of Bismarck’s early history remain hidden below later development. The Office of Management and Budget has not yet provided an updated figure following completion of the exhumation work. Human remains have been uncovered elsewhere around the North Dakota Capitol grounds over the decades, claims the online report. The archaeological discovery has also added an unforeseen expense to the governor’s residence project.
Researchers will examine and catalogue the remains and other objects recovered during the fieldwork, a process expected to continue into early 2027. The archaeological work is now moving into its next phase. The analysis is expected to focus on basic biological information such as estimated age ranges and possible evidence of disease or other conditions that might provide clues to the individuals buried there. DNA testing is not planned as part of the investigation. Instead, archaeologists will rely on physical examination and historical research to better understand the remains and the circumstances surrounding the burials. The unidentified wooden box recovered alongside the coffins will also be examined as researchers work to establish a clearer picture of what was once located on the site.