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The short version

  • Archaeologists recovered seven coffins near the governor's mansion during fence repairs, identifying them as part of Bismarck's original cemetery.
  • The discovery challenges historical records suggesting all bodies from the site were moved in the late nineteenth century.
  • State officials plan to rebury the remains by next spring without conducting DNA testing or extensive scientific analysis.

Construction workers renovating security infrastructure at the North Dakota governor’s residence in Bismarck have uncovered human remains dating back to the state’s earliest settlement period. The discovery occurred on May 19 when crews working on a $2.35 million project to upgrade fences and driveways encountered coffin fragments and skeletal material on the southwest corner of the property. This finding has halted routine construction activities and triggered a formal archaeological investigation by the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

The site where the remains were found corresponds to the location of Bismarck’s first cemetery, established in 1872 when the community was still known as Edwinton. At that time, the settlement was a modest riverside town before the Northern Pacific Railroad renamed it to honor German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and attract investment. The burial ground, informally called the graveyard on the hill, served the growing population until the land was sold for railroad development in 1877.

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Historical records indicate that most individuals interred at this original site were exhumed and relocated to other cemeteries in Bismarck during the late nineteenth century. Officials had long believed the relocation process was complete, with contemporary newspaper accounts from the era claiming all but two bodies had been moved. However, the recent discovery of seven intact coffins suggests that some remains were overlooked or left behind during the initial transfer.

Archaeologists employed ground-penetrating radar to survey the area after the initial discovery, identifying more than eighty anomalies beneath the surface. A two-week excavation conducted in early September revealed an empty wooden box alongside the remains of seven individuals. The group includes two adult women, two adult men, two teenage boys, and one toddler. These findings provide a tangible link to the lives of early residents who helped shape the region before it became the state capital.

The recovery process has been handled with caution and respect for the deceased. Governor Kelly Armstrong emphasized through his spokesman that the remains must be treated with appropriate care. To facilitate this, the state has partnered with a local funeral home and a nonprofit chaplain group to oversee the handling of the bodies. The goal is to rebury the individuals by next spring in a manner consistent with their historical context and cultural significance.

State officials have indicated that the analysis of the remains will be limited in scope. Brandon Solberg, facilities management director for the North Dakota Office of Management and Budget, noted that while researchers will document basic information about the individuals, there are no plans to conduct DNA testing or extensive scientific studies. The focus remains on respectful reinterment rather than detailed forensic investigation, reflecting a decision to prioritize dignity over data collection.

This is not the first instance of human remains being discovered during development projects in Bismarck. In 1903, at least thirteen bodies were found while crews installed a trolley line near the old cemetery site. Similarly, five sets of remains were uncovered during the construction of an earlier governor’s residence in 1959. These recurring discoveries highlight the challenges of urban development in areas with deep historical roots and incomplete archival records.

The current governor’s residence was built between 2016 and 2018, a period during which no human remains were found. Joe Morrissette, director of the North Dakota Office of Management and Budget, stated that there was no prior reason to suspect additional bodies might be present in the area. The unexpected nature of this find underscores the limitations of historical documentation and the potential for new discoveries even in well-documented urban environments.

As the investigation continues into 2027, the State Historical Society will work to finalize the documentation of the site. Kara Haff, a spokeswoman for the society, acknowledged that previous assumptions about the completeness of the exhumation efforts were incorrect. The discovery serves as a reminder of the complex history embedded in the landscape of Bismarck and the importance of careful planning in construction projects near historic sites.

The resolution of this matter will involve balancing modern infrastructure needs with respect for historical heritage. By partnering with local organizations to ensure proper reburial, state officials aim to honor the memory of these early settlers while allowing necessary upgrades to proceed. The case illustrates how unexpected archaeological finds can reshape understanding of local history and influence future development practices in historic districts.

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Go to the original reporting

  • Smithsonian Magazine↗Construction Work on the North Dakota Governor's Residence Accidentally Unearthed Seven Coffins Dating Back to the State's Early Settlement