North Dakota moved out of the depression during World War II, along with the rest of the country. Higher crop prices along with more rainfall, brought prosperity back to the state’s farmers. Still reliant on 'King Wheat', North Dakota made efforts to diversify its economy and agriculture.

Rural electrification and telephone cooperatives brought electricity and telephone service to the farmers of North Dakota. Soon after radios and televisions would be commonplace in North Dakotans’ homes. With an increased demand for power, the Garrison Dam was built to harness hydro electric power, and the electrical industry expanded by building large generating plants powered by lignite coal. The discovery of oil near Tioga in 1951, set off an oil boom that prompted the building of new refineries around the state. Air bases in Grand Forks and Minot, along with the construction of missile sites around the state further diversified the state’s economy and tied it to the outside world.

Learn more about the Modern
Era by taking the Era Tour.

North Dakota Badlands - Tourist Destination

North Dakota has become less isolated through the development of an interstate highway system, transcontinental flight service, the television networks, and tourism (the state’s second leading industry). As the modern era progresses, diversification and technological innovation will be key in North Dakota’s economy. With the power of the Internet, many more markets will be opened, and many more people will be informed about the rich land and heritage that is North Dakota and its people.