Identified in 1872 as one of the original counties of the territory, Bottineau was officially organized in 1884. It was named after the trapper, hunter and successful land speculator Pierre Bottineau. Mr. Bottineau was a local celebrity during these times. He spoke many languages, including French, English, Dakota, Ojibwe, Cree, Mandan, and Winnebago. His mother was half Dakota and half Ojibwe. He was known as “The Walking Peace Pipe” because of all the treaties he helped organize with the Native Americans. When he retired, he was given a pension of $50 a month. A hefty sum in those days. Years later, he died in Red Lake Falls, MN at the age of 78. Now days, Bottineau county is home to approximatly 6,800 people.