Welcome to Grant County, North Dakota

This site is dedicated to assisting family researchers find information and resources about Grant County, North Dakota.

County History

Grant County was officially formed on November 28, 1908, through an act of the North Dakota State Legislature. Prior to its establishment, the area was part of two larger counties: Morton and Hettinger. The division was facilitated to better administer the rapidly growing population and agricultural development.

The county was named in honor of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and commanding general during the Civil War. The name was chosen to reflect the American ideals of courage, integrity, and leadership that Grant embodied.

The first settlers to make their homes in what would become Grant County were primarily of German and Scandinavian descent. Arriving in the late 1880s, they were drawn by the promise of fertile farmland and the opportunity for a fresh start. Among them were the Anderson, Braun, and Zimmerle families, who would go on to become influential figures in the early community. These pioneers braved harsh conditions, including brutal winters and isolation from more established settlements, to carve out a living from the land. They initially focused on subsistence farming, but as the railroad reached the area in the early 1900s, they began to grow cash crops like wheat and corn.

County Seat

The county seat of Grant County, North Dakota, is Carson. Carson serves as the administrative and governmental hub of the county, typically housing the county courthouse, government offices, and other important institutions. The role of a county seat is to serve as the center for legal and administrative activities within the county, and it's often a focal point for community events and historical documentation.

Communities

In the real Grant County, North Dakota, some of the other significant communities apart from Carson (the county seat) include Elgin, New Leipzig, and Leith. These towns and villages have their own unique characteristics and histories that contribute to the county's overall identity.

• Elgin: This is often considered the largest town in Grant County after Carson. It has a variety of local businesses and often serves as a commercial center for nearby farms.
• New Leipzig: Known for its German heritage, New Leipzig is a smaller community but rich in cultural traditions. It often hosts community events that reflect its German roots.
• Leith: This is one of the smaller communities in the county, but it has a unique history and its own set of local landmarks.