A little bit about Garrison's history

Garrison, a town worth knowing ...right from the start

Garrison was and still is a bustling community.

The town sprung up in 1905 and organized as a village in 1907. The original town was founded by the Taylor Brothers, Cecil and Theodore in 1903. The post office was established June 17, 1903. Later, when the Soo Line ran its tracks farther north, the town moved to its present location. It was organized as a city March 20, 1916.
Business flourished in the early years. The early leaders saw Garrison as a town "bustin’ at the seams" with gun totin’ rascals. Fortunately for decades to come, the West was tamed and homes and businesses grew into a solid community.
It was considered the Agricultural Gateway City because it was situated in the heart of rich farmland, available at low prices. in 1914-1915 it was considered the largest primary wheat shipping point and soon was incorporated as a city in 1916.

Here are some of the highlights from the early years:

* Garrison, North Dakota, is the growing city and commercial center of great agricultural district where 160 acres means independence for life. If you are planning to come West or are dissatisfied with the condition where you are, it will pay to investigate the Garrison district. Garrison district has a rich and productive soil, a certain market for what you produce, wholesome moral surroundings. (June 25, 1909)
* New people are daily arriving to share in the general prosperity and with the crop outlook, everything points to a growth unparalleled by any other town in the state. All we need to put the artistic touch to our progressiveness is a $250,000 courthouse. (July 9, 1909)
* Four teachers are on staff at the Garrison school. (Sept. 19, 1912)
* You can walk two miles in Garrison now on cement sidewalks without using the same walk twice. (Oct. 2, 1913)
* Hampered by the lack of fire-fighting apparatus, the entire populace of Garrison fought every step of the fire which burned five business places one after the other, at a total loss of $30,000. (Nov. 13, 1913)
* The village election took place Tuesday with a total vote count of 65. (March 19, 1914)

Garrison celebrated 100 years in 2005. The community continues to celebrate its roots and its future. To learn more about Garrison, browse the rest of the site.