The Prairie Fire Extinguished: Prohibition in Territorial and Early Statehood North Dakota, 1880-1900

Abstract

Prohibition in North Dakota is an often-forgotten moment of North Dakota’s history. This is a period in which newly-developed modes of mass media and national influences developed the political and social landscape of the state. The prohibition period saw the development of one of the most successful Women’s Christian Temperance Unions in the country, and its prohibitory law encourages the public to engage with it. However, North Dakota historical narratives are primarily focused on romanticizing the frontier life with the historical focus on figures like Teddy Roosevelt. Early statehood prohibition was a significant moment in defining the state, and it should return to the collective consciousness of the state through increased public history projects.