General Info
McKenzie County, named after Alexander McKenzie (a North Dakota political figure), was established on March 8, 1883. The County Seat is Watford City (first established in Alexander and then in Schafer). McKenzie County is part of the legendary Lewis and Clark Trail. Accompanied by Sakakawea, Captain Meriwether Lewis & Captain William Clark traveled throughout these rolling plains on their historic voyage. Rich with various game, McKenzie County’s first settlers were hunters & trappers. Much in the ways and under the laws of the old west, the area was sparsely populated by rifle toting cowboys and “cattle kings” herding cattle from Texas. Teddy Roosevelt owned two ranches here. His love for the badlands was well known. In a 1913 autobiography, Theodore Roosevelt said, “There were all kinds of things I was afraid of at first, ranging from grizzly bears to ‘mean’ horses and gun-fighters; but by acting as if I was not afraid I gradually ceased to be afraid… The worst of all fears is the fear of living.” Oil was discovered in McKenzie County in the 1950’s. Today McKenzie County is part of the North Dakota Oil Boom, giving North Dakota one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. There were many factors to the boom. The discovery of shale gas (Natural Gas) reserves throughout the area and the nations’ need for domestic nonrenewable energy were contributing factors to the boom. The population is approximately 7,000 people. Outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, boating or simply enjoying the beautiful wild landscapes of McKenzie County are available for all to enjoy.
