1880: There was rejoicing in Bismarck as a train finally reached the city. It had been four weeks since the last train had made its way to city, but was delayed by blizzards and snow blockades that had made travel impossible. 90 sacks of paper mail were also delivered.

1890: Conde Hamlin, who was a celebrated Pioneer Press reporter, attempted to “blow (Alex) McKenzie’s brains out.” Mckenzie, who approached Hamlin complaining about a negative story written about him, was surprised when he was suddenly staring down the barrel of a revolver.

Reacting quickly, McKenzie seized the gun, and the hammer fell on his finger, cutting it badly. Seeing the blood, and revolver, those who witnessed the brief fight were afraid that Hamlin was going to be dealt with roughly; however, acting “like a true hero,” McKenzie stood off.
Giving the revolver back to Hamlin, McKenzie told him to shoot him if he wanted. Hamlin was so frightened that he was unable to speak or even hold his revolver. Saying that the Attorney General Goodwin had told him to write negatively about McKenzie, he begged for the crowd not to hurt him.

Saving Hamlin from the angry crowd, McKenzie escorted Hamlin to the train, and sent him on his way.

1902: The temperature dropped to five degrees below zero, as a storm rages through the area. All business and railroad traffic was suspended, and the Northern Pacific trains were snow bound in Mandan and Dawson.

1908: Joseph Bassnelia, a convict who escaped from the state penitentiary, was shot and killed by Sheriff Beck, after refusing to surrender. Alfred Woolen, who had escaped with Bassnelia, was recaptured.

1910: The largest boat on the Upper Missouri, the steamer Expansion, was wrecked, and more than two miles of Northern Pacific railroad was washed away. Dozens of individuals were driven from their homes, and the main section of Mandan was flooded. On the Bismarck side, there was little damage done.

The flood was so severe that Mandan was cut off from communication, as the telephone and telegraph lines are destroyed. The water supply was also cut off, as the water works pumping station was submerged.

1920: North Dakota was in the grip of the worst blizzard of the season. The lowest barometer was reported that the state had known for 45 years. Winds were blowing over sixty miles and hour, and four inches of snow had covered the ground. The storm covered much of the midwest.