View a flood impact chart for the city of Wahpeton.
(requires flash)

WAHPETON, NORTH DAKOTA

Wahpeton is located in extreme southeastern North Dakota near the southern border of the Red River Valley.

Early Settlement
In 1864, Morgan T. Rich crossed the river from Minnesota and started the second settlement in North Dakota. Officially founded in 1869, the city considered a number of names including Chahinkapa meaning "tops of the trees"; Richville, after Morgan Rich; and even Elizabeth after Rich's wife. Wahpeton, which is the Sioux word for "dwellers among leaves" was eventually chosen and first appeared in the County records on November 25, 1873.

Wahpeton became an organized town in 1882 and elected its first town board in that year. The City Charter was adopted in 1885 and the city was incorporated in 1887. Later, Wahpeton was appointed the county seat of Richland County and, as such, became the hub of regional activity. In 1911 a new County Courthouse was built with an exquisite dome and marbled floors.

In 1904, United States Senator Porter McCumber of Wahpeton passed legislation and established the United States Indian schools. The Circle of Nations School is dedicated to providing quality education to Native American children from the upper Midwest. In addition to providing education, Circle of Nations teachs children about their rich cultural heritage and hosts a pow-wow every October.

Recreation
Adjoining the Red River, Chahinkapa Park provides recreation opportunities for area residents and visitors. The Chahinkapa Zoo is home to over 60 bird and animal species including bison, monkeys, gibbon, apes, camels, snow leopards, and others. Year round park activities include a swimming pool, a restored 1926 Spillman Carousel featuring twenty had crafted wooden horses, two chariots, and a calliope; indoor ice arena, outdoor ice skating pond, outdoor hockey rink, a sledding hill and heated warming house.

The Richland County Historical Museum features artifacts, dioramas, and a number of exhibits relating to the area and its heritage. A country school harkening back to the region's history is located on the Museum grounds.

Today
The North Dakota State College of Science provides Wahpeton with a well-educated, highly skilled workforce. Wahpeton's proximity to markets, favorable labor climate, and excellent work force are key factors in its economic development success and strength.

Wahpeton Chamber of Commerce

View the Wahpeton Photo Gallery.