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Preservation North Dakota Announces
The 2008 Three Most Endangered Properties
DUNSEITH, ND – Preservation North Dakota ’s (PND) “3 Most Endangered Historic Properties” list for 2008 was announced on Friday, May 2, during PND’s 15th Annual North Dakota & 1st International Historic Preservation Conference at the International Peace Garden.
To qualify for the "3 Most Endangered List," a site must have historical, architectural or cultural significance. The property must also be in danger of demolition, deterioration, or substantial alteration due to neglect or vandalism.
Preservation North Dakota works throughout the year to develop programs that raise public awareness about the plight of valuable heritage and cultural resources, as well as programs to develop possible preservation solutions to save them.
“Historic preservation plays a vital role in the economy of the state. By offering experiential and learning-based vacations, historic preservation also has a very real impact on the state’s heritage tourism industry,” said Dale Bentley , PND Executive Director.
“Hopefully communities across the state will see this list and be inspired to begin a preservation project of their own so that North Dakota ’s rich cultural and architectural heritage is fully recognized as the economic resource it has the potential to become.”
2008 THREE MOST ENDANGERED HISTORIC PROPERTIES:
1) Flat Iron Building , Minot – Ward County
2) Crying Hill, Mandan – Morton County
Crying Hill rises above the surrounding plains on the east side of Mandan , ND . The highest point in the area, Crying Hill has been sought out for centuries as a place of prayer, fasting, solace, and spiritual inspiration. In addition to the symbolic significance of being closer to the Creator, standing on Crying Hill provides a beautiful and practical place to view the surrounding area.
The Mandan , Hidatsa, Lakota, Dakota, and Arikara peoples have a deep spiritual connection to Crying Hill. Crying Hill means something different to each individual who experiences it. These experiences have been preserved in historic documents as well as the oral traditions of Native American elders and local residents.
Crying Hill is a significant Native American landmark within the Mandan-Bismarck city limits. It was part of the original Mandan village, a site visited by the Verendrye expedition, one of the earliest known European explorations in the area. It is still used today by regional Native Americans, by other cultural and religious groups, and by local residents.
The site is threatened by urban expansion, development and encroachment. It is essential that the site be protected before further development in the area destroys the landscape beyond recognition.
North Dakota native Patrick Atkinson has led preservation efforts by purchasing the land, creating an ecumenical, nonpolitical community coalition, and making “Crying Hill” a registered trademark to protect the integrity of the name. Crying Hill’s preservation coalition is committed to preserving the property from private urban development, to develop and promote Native American historical awareness in the area, and to provide a public access area that will improve the economic, educational, spiritual, physical, and cultural well-being of the community, its children, and their families.
3) North Dakota Grain Elevators – Statewide Listing
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