Centennial Overview (1882–1982)
This historical account draws from newspaper archives, official records, and firsthand recollections passed down by early settlers.
Founding and Early Settlement
Edinburg’s roots reach back to the Dakota Territory era, when Christian Buck, a Norwegian immigrant, arrived in the region. Known as the “father” of both the old Edinburgh site and the present-day city of Edinburgh, he held several key roles. He served as the Receiver of the U.S. Land Office and became the first postmaster when the post office opened on November 1, 1882. The settlement adopted the name “Edinburgh” as a tribute to the university where Buck received his education.
At the same time, Ove Oveson opened the first general store and managed mail service from that location. Since the community lacked its own mail route initially, he retrieved mail from the Dundee post office, located six miles east.
Meanwhile, Charles Buck, Christian’s half-brother, operated a small drug store and offered medical care to fellow settlers. The settlement also included a saloon run by O. Travaaten and a blacksmith shop managed by O. Runstad. Although the total number of original homes remains uncertain, several were relocated to the new townsite in 1888.
One building, believed to be Christian Buck’s office, still stands today west of the Cenex Station. After undergoing remodeling, it became the living room of the Ronald Monson home. Notably, it was the only structure—apart from one grain elevator—that remained after the major fire in 1900.
Railroad Realignment and Relocation
In 1884, residents from surrounding communities, including Garfield and Edinburg, met several times to advocate for a proposed railroad. Despite their efforts, the final route bypassed both settlements.
As a result, most of Garfield’s community relocated to Park River, except for its church and school. Edinburg, on the other hand, chose to adapt rather than disappear. Residents moved the townsite from Section 5 to the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 21 in Lampton Township. Daniel Shun, who owned the land, allowed the platting of the first eight blocks.
Becoming an Incorporated Village
On April 4, 1896, Dr. A.A. Flaten and several local voters submitted a petition to incorporate Edinburg as a village. County officials and the state’s attorney reviewed the petition, which was published twice in the Park River Gazette. Voters approved the measure on June 2, 1896.
The formed village appointed the following officials at the time:
- Chairman: Christian Buck
- Trustees: Dr. A.A. Flaten and J.E. Peterson
- Clerk: George Adams
(This record is documented in the Auditor’s Office at the Walsh County Courthouse in Grafton, North Dakota.)
Business Development and Early Commerce
Following incorporation, new businesses rapidly took shape. Dr. A.A. Flaten purchased the existing drug store and began practicing medicine. Meanwhile, O.H. Rustan built both a creamery and a grain elevator. Over time, Edinburg operated five grain elevators, illustrating the region’s growing agricultural presence.
Two hotels—Waterman Hotel and North Western Hotel—provided lodging. The business community expanded further, with:
- John Drady is operating a grocery store
- J.E. White is opening a general store
- Ben Shuley is running a meat market
- Buck and Adams are managing a hardware store
- Nate Knudson is crafting tin products
- Hans Wick is offering blacksmith services
- Melstad Brothers and Field’s Store sells general merchandise
The town’s first depot functioned out of a repurposed boxcar, while Grant’s Livery Stable met transportation needs.
Industry and Retail Expansion
In 1898, Peder P. Lee constructed a flour mill to help local farmers market their grain. Because many farmers lacked horses at the time, they often used oxen and traveled from Edmore to reach the mill.
The E & M corner, now a recognizable part of town, once featured Hans Anderson’s machinery business and Robertson Lumber Company to the north.
Retail offerings continued to expand:
- Oscar Mandt established the first jewelry store
- Knut Evenson operated a second saloon
- Peter Lee ran a restaurant
- Gilbertson managed a pool hall
- Ole Brevik purchased the town’s first furniture store from Peder Lee in 1894
- Anderson Sales now occupies the site where an implement shop once stood
- A.C. Jensen, along with tinsmith Jack Oliver, completed the roster of early hardware vendors
These businesses laid the foundation for Edinburg’s economy and helped define its character as a self-sustaining rural community.