Camp Hancock Historic Site

The oldest building in Bismark North Dakota. A Permanent exhibit that preserves and presents the history of the military post and much more.

Camp Hancock State Historic Site, is located at 101 East Main Ave Bismarck North Dakota. Open by appointment only. Grounds are open year-round. Admission is free however donations are greatly appreciated. Amenities on-site include, Site Musem exhibit,  picnic area, Bread of Life Church, church rentals, and restrooms. Restrooms are limited to ADA access and only open during operating hours. 

This Historic site is home to the oldest building in Bismarck. This historic site preserves the military camp. The camp original named Camp Greenly to honor Horace Greeley, a newspaper editor, and liberal candidate. Then in 1873, the name changed to Camp Hancock after the Commander Officer of the Department of Dakota. The camp was established in 1872. The goal of the camp was to provided protection, to the Railroad workers of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Protections for supplies, equipment, citizens, and native tribes. The log building still remains on site, it has been remodeled, updated, and preserved. The log structure once served as an infantry post from 1872-1877. Then served as the quartermaster deport and signal office from 1877-1894. The signal corps reporting station was used to transmit military communications. After the troops, withdraw from the area a small staff and trained technicians worked the site. The site then became the US Weather bureau from 1894-1940. The staff gathered weather-related information. The main focus was to study water precipitation, wind speed, barometric pressure, and climatological data, weather patterns. The pieces of information were used to help determine air plan routes, water levels, soil conservation, and crop production.  In 1951 the log structure was turned over to the Historial society. The building that once held many responsibilities now serves as a permanent exhibit museum. Preserving the unique history and, artifacts through the seasons from the local area.