Belden, North Dakota

Belden is a ghost town located in Sikes Township in Mountrail County, North Dakota, United States. It is located along North Dakota Highway 8 between Stanley and the former town of Van Hook.[1] The village was founded in 1904, and was reportedly named for W. L. Belden, North Dakota's Indian agent at-large who was stationed at Fort Berthold Indian Reservation at the time.[2]

History

Belden was founded in 1904 by Finnish settlers when the area was still part of Ward County.[3][4] The village never exceeded a population of more than 25. The post office was established in 1904 as well, and operated continuously until 1986 with the ZIP code of 58715. The Belden Store was considered a local landmark.[2] Today, Belden has a population of about 20, with a couple of young families growing the number over the past decade.^[citation needed]

See also

• List of ghost towns in North Dakota

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Belden, North Dakota
2. Wick, Douglas A. (1988). North Dakota Place Names. Bismarck, North Dakota: Hedemarken Collectibles. p. 14. ISBN 0-9620968-0-6. OCLC 191277027.
3. Williams, Mary Ann (Barnes) (1966). Origins of North Dakota Place Names. Bismarck, North Dakota: Bismarck Tribune, 1966. p. 205. OCLC 431626.
4. Patera, Alan H.; John S. Gallagher (1982). North Dakota Post Offices, 1850-1982. Burtonsville, Maryland: The Depot. pp. 99–101. OCLC 09763647.

48°09′05″N 102°21′27″W