Archaeologists have successfully removed seven coffins from the North Dakota Capitol Grounds following an extensive exploration spurred by the initial discovery of human remains earlier this year. The Dakotan reported today that seven coffins have been removed from the property, which is located in the southwest corner of the Capitol complex in Bismarck. This removal follows a comprehensive fieldwork effort where archaeologists explored more than 80 areas of interest across the site since the initial discovery.
The investigation began back in May, when construction crews working on the installation of a new fence at the Governor's Mansion uncovered human remains, along with fragments of coffins and associated hardware parts. KFYR reported on this initial finding, which quickly led to a thorough inquiry by the State Historical Society. Utilizing ground-penetrating radar technology, the State Historical Society had previously indicated a belief that as many as ten bodies could be interred within the construction zone on the property.
Providing an update on the next steps, Brandon Solberg, the Facilities Management Director for the North Dakota Office of Management and Budget, issued a statement regarding the findings. Solberg confirmed that archaeologists will now proceed with a detailed review and systematic cataloging of all the human remains and other items that have been discovered during the fieldwork at the Capitol Grounds. He projected that this extensive analysis and cataloging process is anticipated to continue into early 2027. Solberg also explicitly stated that DNA testing will not be integrated into the process of studying these discovered remains.
Reports from KX News have shed light on the historical significance of the area, indicating that the site where the coffins were found was once used as a burial ground or cemetery during North Dakota’s early settlement period. Specifically, this period is identified as spanning from 1873 to 1877. These historical records suggest that this location could potentially represent one of the earliest cemeteries established in the city of Bismarck.
Furthermore, the discovery of burials in this particular location on the southwest corner of the Capitol Grounds is not without precedent. Historical accounts reveal that similar findings of human burials were made in the same vicinity in previous years, notably in 1903 and again in 1959. These past discoveries underscore the long-standing historical use of this specific parcel of land as a burial site within the Bismarck area. The ongoing archaeological work continues to uncover important details about the area's history.
