Archaeologists Remove Seven Coffins at North Dakota Governor’s Residence

Archaeologists have removed seven coffins containing human remains and an unidentified wooden box from the grounds near North Dakota’s governor’s residence, after examining more than 80 areas of interest. The remains were first uncovered in May during security-fence construction on land that served as Bismarck’s first cemetery from 1873 to 1877; although many graves were relocated in the 1880s, burials were also discovered nearby during construction projects in 1903 and 1959. Researchers will catalog the remains and artifacts and assess information such as age and possible signs of disease, but DNA testing is not planned. The analysis is expected to continue into early 2027, with reburial at a local cemetery anticipated in spring 2027.