North Dakota Genealogy Records

Glimpses of North Dakota - cover of booklet in author's collection. Published by the North Dakota Pan-American Exposition Commission 1901; copyrighted by David Bartlett 1901

​Continuing the theme of United States Genealogy resources, I thought we should explore resources closer to home.    More records become available each year so it’s good to revisit what is available. Let’s look at records in North Dakota

While North Dakota doesn’t get as much attention as some of the more eastern, more highly populated states, it is important to those who have ancestors who settled and lived here—whether you are from immigrant ancestors or native American heritage. 
 
Ancestry has released quite a few North Dakota related records:
Here’s a quick way to see North Dakota specific records on Ancestry:
North Dakota Genealogy & North Dakota Family History Resources - Ancestry.com
 North Dakota, U.S. Naturalizations, 1873-1952
You can search this collection by name, using the standard search methods or try looking at the individual record images.  You can view by county and by time period.  If you can’t find your ancestor readily by the standard search, try this.  As an example, I chose Walsh County, years 1882-1893.  It is helpful to know that at the beginning of each year, there is an index.  By using the filmstrip view, you can easily jump to each of the indexes per year to find your ancestor.
 Fargo, North Dakota, U.S., Arriving and Departing Passenger and Crew Lists of Airplanes, 1958 | Ancestry®
 U.S., Index to Alien Arrivals at Canadian Atlantic and Pacific Seaports, 1904-1944 | Ancestry®
 North Dakota, U.S., Select County Marriage Records, 1872-2017 | Ancestry®
This information is from the archives of the State Historical Society of North Dakota archives.  Ancestry has not digitized all counties yet so if your county isn’t included contact SHSND.  You can search on their marriage index and request a copy of the image directly from them.  Cost is minimal for this service.
 
North Dakota, Red River Valley Genealogical Society, Pioneer Files, 1880-1953 | Ancestry®
If you haven’t checked out the Pioneer Files, you might be missing a great resource.  According to Ancestry, “This collection includes a pioneer biography file name index compiled by the Red River Valley Genealogical Society in Fargo, North Dakota.”  If you’re in the Red River Valley, consider visiting the Red River Genealogical Society.  RRVGS, Research Ancestors, West Fargo, Red River Valley Genealogical Society 
 
North Dakota and South Dakota, Wills and Probate Records, 1878-1928 | Ancestry®
 
You’ve likely used FamilySearch in your research.  Did you know that you could filter to view all things North Dakota?  Here’s the link to take you to that page. Family History Research in United States of America, North Dakota — FamilySearch.org  Some of these records are the same as in Ancestry so if you don’t have an Ancestry account, you may find what you need there.  Also on this landing page, you’ll find free courses to learn more about North Dakota family research.  Be sure to spend some time on the FamilySearch Wiki – North Dakota.
You can also choose to view North Dakota Online Genealogy Records • FamilySearch.  These online records come from a variety of sources, including paid sites like Ancestry, FindMyPast, MyHeritage and others. 
 
I hope these sites and links give you some additional ideas for your North Dakota research.  As we continue to research our families, it good to go back and search again on sites we used in the past.  New records and updated records and databases come online every day.  Have fun exploring your North Dakota roots!