A routine security upgrade at North Dakota’s governor’s residence has opened an unexpected window into Bismarck’s past.
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upgrade → open → past
What began as a $2.35 million project to improve fencing and access around the property turned into an archaeological investigation after construction crews uncovered human remains beneath the ground, states an online report by North Dakota Monitor.
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report → begin → Monitor
Months later, archaeologists have removed seven coffins containing human remains, along with an unidentified wooden box, after examining more than 80 areas of interest around the construction site, the report adds.
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report → remove → site
A cemetery beneath modern Bismarck
The discovery dates back to May, when workers installing a new fence near the governor’s residence encountered human remains.
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workers → date → remains
The location was once part of Bismarck’s first cemetery, which operated between 1873 and 1877.
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which → operate → 1873
Many of the people originally buried there were later moved to St. Mary’s Cemetery and Fairview Cemetery during the 1880s.
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Many → bury → 1880s
The discovery suggests that some burials may have remained behind despite those historic efforts to relocate graves, the report adds.
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report → suggest → graves
Archaeologists returned to the area in September for a more extensive investigation.
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Archaeologists → return → investigation
Their work covered more than 80 areas identified as potentially significant, eventually leading to the removal of the seven coffins and the wooden box.
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work → cover → coffins
The findings add another layer to the history of a part of the city that has undergone substantial development since the cemetery was active, adds the report.
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report → add → development
A careful examination of the remains
The archaeological work is now moving into its next phase.
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work → move → phase
Researchers will examine and catalogue the remains and other objects recovered during the fieldwork, a process expected to continue into early 2027.
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Researchers → examine → 2027
The analysis is expected to focus on basic biological information such as estimated age ranges and possible evidence of disease or other conditions that might provide clues to the individuals buried there.
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that → expect → individuals
DNA testing is not planned as part of the investigation.
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testing → plan → investigation
Instead, archaeologists will rely on physical examination and historical research to better understand the remains and the circumstances surrounding the burials.
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archaeologists → rely → burials
The unidentified wooden box recovered alongside the coffins will also be examined as researchers work to establish a clearer picture of what was once located on the site.
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what → recover → site
Not the first discovery in the area
Human remains have been uncovered elsewhere around the North Dakota Capitol grounds over the decades, claims the online report.
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report → uncover → decades
Previous discoveries occurred during construction of a trolley line near the southwest corner of the Capitol property in 1903.
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discoveries → occur → 1903
Remains were also found in 1959 while the previous governor’s residence was being constructed.
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residence → find → 1959
The latest discovery therefore forms part of a longer archaeological story beneath the modern government complex, where layers of Bismarck’s early history remain hidden below later development.
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layers → form → development
Preparing for a respectful reburial
Authorities are taking steps to ensure the recovered remains are handled appropriately.
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remains → prepare → steps
The state has contracted with a local funeral home, while Crisis Care Chaplaincy has offered support during the process.
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Chaplaincy → contract → process
Once the archaeological examination is complete, the remains are expected to be reinterred at a local cemetery in spring, adds the report.
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report → expect → spring
The reburial will provide a final resting place for people whose original graves were effectively lost beneath the changing landscape of the city.
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graves → provide → city
An unexpected cost to a security project
The archaeological discovery has also added an unforeseen expense to the governor’s residence project.
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discovery → add → project
Lawmakers approved $2.35 million last year for security improvements, including a new perimeter fence and an extension to the driveway.
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Lawmakers → approve → driveway
By September 1, archaeological work associated with the discovery was estimated to have cost the state an additional $155,000.
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work → associate → 155,000
The Office of Management and Budget has not yet provided an updated figure following completion of the exhumation work.
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Office → provide → work
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