Anniversaries

We celebrated two anniversaries this week. The first was our wedding anniversary on Wednesday. We've been married 29 wonderful years. What's more, we think it will just keep on getting better!

Thursday was the anniversary of our move to Minot 11 years ago on a frigid night just five days before Christmas. We moved things into the house in minus 20 degree air temperature. But, we were welcomed by warm hearted people who put up with the cold to serve strangers, and we've found many more wonderful people here in these 11 years. In honor of that day, here's a list of fun facts about our state. Enjoy!


North Dakota Fun Facts

The world's tallest structure is located in North Dakota (see further down on my blog).

The town of Rugby is the geographical center of North America. A tall stone obelisk marks the location.

North Dakota was the first state to complete its Interstate highway system.

The parking meter was invented in North Dakota.

North Dakota is the only state in the nation to never have an earthquake.

Dakota Gasification Company in Beulah is the nation's only synthetic natural gas producer.

North Dakota has 60 wildlife refuges, more than any other state, and all are managed for waterfowl production.

North Dakota has more miles of road per capita than any other state - approximately 166 miles of road for every 1,000 people.

If North Dakota seceded from the Union, it would be the world's third strongest nuclear power.

North Dakota has the highest number of millionaires per capita than any other state, and not a yuppie to be found anywhere.

Did you know that North Dakota leads the nation in the production of just about everything. The state is first in spring wheat, durum wheat, sunflowers, barley, dry edible beans, pinto beans, canola, flaxseed, all dry edible peas, honey, and oats. North Dakota comes second in the nation for lentils. We moved to ND from the top lentil producing area - the Palouse region of Idaho. So of course, we love lentils!

Did you know that the highest temperature ever recorded in North Dakota was 121 degrees at Steele in July of 1936? Or that the lowest was -60 degrees at Parshall during the last ice age (kidding, but not about the temperature) in February 1936?

The fastest-growing city in the state is West Fargo, which has soared from 14,910 residents in 2000 to more than 21,000 last year.

What is the Sturnella neglecta? It's the scientific name of the state bird. Can you name it? It's the western meadowlark, a songbird often found on fence posts or sign chirping away.

Fore! Did you know that North Dakota has more Golf Courses per capita than any other state? Eat your heart out Dad!

Ranks #1 as the safest state to live in. (Morgan Quitno 03/05)

Is one of only eight states with a growing economy. (Economy.com)

Ranks 6th highest in state economic competitiveness. (Beacon Hill Institute, 12/05)

Had the second highest per capita income growth from 2000-2005.(Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2005)

Has more coastline than California due to Lake Sakakawea! (50states.com)

Fargo-Moorhead ranked as one of America's top Business Opportunity Metro for 2005. (Expansion Management)

Ranks #1 for rate of high school completion (01/06 Corporation for Enterprise Development)

Is one of only two states to increase manufacturing jobs from 2000-2004. (U.S. Dept. of Labor)