North Dakota ACLS Certification and Recertification

NORTH DAKOTA ACLS CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION

About North Dakota

North Dakota became the 39th state in 1889. The state capitol of North Dakota is Bismarck with a population of 57,377 people (2005 Census). Fargo is the largest city in the state, with 90,672 people (2005 Census). The total population of North Dakota is 672,591 people (2010 Census). North Dakota is comprised of 68,976 square miles of central lowlands rising to rolling prairie, and increasing further to the Great Plains in the west. The state flower is the lovely wild prairie rose. The state bird is the western meadowlark, which is a common theme among mid-western states.

There is no state insect or butterfly; however the state fish is the northern pike. French Canadian explorers first visited North Dakota in 1738-1740. Under the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, most of the area of North Dakota was acquired by the United States. From 1804-06 Lewis and Clark explored North Dakota. The first settlements were established in 1812 around Pembina, even though there was still conflict between the United States and Great Britain in the area.

Great Britain formed a treaty with the United States giving them the northern section of the state in 1818, however much conflict remained until the formation of the railroad in the 1870’s and 1880’s. North Dakota is known for being one of the most rural states in the United States. Around 90 percent of the open land in North Dakota is used for farming. Highly produced crops include spring and durum wheat, sunflowers, honey, etc. Livestock is also a prominent industry. Because of the high level of farming and livestock, the manufacturing industries in farm equipment and food processing have been on the rise in recent years.

The natural landscape also helps to support the vast farmland. The Garrison Dam of the Missouri River is a large source of irrigation, and produces around 400,000 kW of electricity for the areas around the Missouri Basin. The natural landscape also makes hunting and fishing a favorite pastime, and one that draws locals and tourists alike. There are also a great deal of parks and historic sites in the area. Prominent historical figures and famous people from North Dakota include Warren Christopher, Louis L’Amour, Peggy Lee, William Owens, Harold Schafer, Lawrence Welk, and others.