General Info
Burleigh County was established in 1873 and named in honor of Dr. Walter Burleigh, an Indian agent, physician and member of Congress. As military forts were built along the Missouri River, settlers began to arrive and communities were built. As the railroad arrived, development increased dramatically and Bismarck was selected as the County Seat. Burleigh County became a transportation hub for North Dakota. With the advent of the gold rush, an influx of settlers arrived to the area and those that stayed were predominantly farmers. Wheat, corn and livestock were shipped and agricultural advancements continued. Burleigh County began to grow with a population of 6,081 people in 1900 to 13,087 people in 1910. As the gold rush began to slow, development slowed and Bismarck became the metropolitan center of the area. Today Burleigh County is home to approximately 78,689 residents.
