The late 1800s and the early 1900s brought tremendous changes to Mandan, as well as all of North Dakota. The 1880s through the second decade of the 20th century saw much of the new state's population growth, as English, Irish, Scandinavian, German, and many other ethnic groups joined the Native American tribes that had been in the Mandan area for centuries. Later arrivals of Germans from Russia resulted in even more diversity in the young city. First inhabited by the Mandan Indians, the city of Mandan has become a vital center for Morton County government, agricultural activities, and various industries. The "city where the West begins" is accessible from many directions because of its location near the Missouri River, along a main railway line, and near an interstate highway.
The late 19th and the 20th centuries brought tremendous changes to Bismarck, as it did to all of North Dakota. The 1880s through the 1910s saw much of the new state's population growth. In this time period, English, Irish, Scandinavian, German, and many other immigrant settlers joined the several Native American tribes that had been in the Bismarck area for centuries. Later arrivals of Germans from Russia resulted in even more diversity in the young city. Originally named Edwinton for Edwin F. Johnson of Vermont, who first suggested the building of a transcontinental railroad, Bismarck became the territorial, state, and county seats of government. With the governmental functions came related businesses and industries, as well as employment opportunities for Bismarck's citizens. Its location on the Missouri River and a main railway line meant that Bismarck was accessible from all directions, and many of today's landmarks and streets are named for those who arrived by water and rail.
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