BISMARCK — Additional documentation for the listing of Fort Totten State Historic Site has been accepted by the National Register of Historic Places, the federal government’s list of properties it considers worthy of preservation and recognition. North Dakota nominations are coordinated by the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Nominated in 1971 by the State Historical Society of North Dakota, Fort Totten State Historic Site was the first property in the state to complete the full nomination process for the National Register of Historic Places. The original nomination was brief and emphasized the site’s military era.

The 2025 amendment provides additional detail documenting the site’s broader history prior to its management by the State Historical Society. Fort Totten is significant for its military era (1867-1890), years as an Indian boarding school and community school (1891-1959), and for its use as a tuberculosis preventorium (1935-1939).

Contrary to some misconceptions about the National Register program, listing in it does not prevent owners from altering their property, restrict the use or sale of the property, or require establishing times that the property must be open to the public. Entry into the National Register of Historic Places does give a property prestige, provides protection from adverse effects in federally assisted projects, and provides eligibility for certain preservation financial incentives.