Camp Hancock Historic Site

Camp Hancock contains Bismarck's oldest remaining building, built in 1872.

Camp Hancock is a State Historic Site and museum operated by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The site contains the oldest building in Bismarck, built in 1872, along with an original 1909 Northern Pacific Railroad Locomotive and North Dakota’s oldest remaining church, the Bread of Life Church, completed in 1881.

Camp Hancock was established on April 16, 1872 as Camp Greeley, the same year Bismarck was founded (as Edwinton). The site was originally used as a warehouse and supply depot for the Northern Pacific Railroad. It also served as an infantry post to protect the railroad and sprouting city.

From 1877-1894, Camp Hancock served as the Quartermaster’s Office and Signal Station. Then from 1894-1940, Camp Hancock housed the U.S. Weather Bureau. The Department of Agriculture used the facility until 1949, when a minor fire broke out, caused by the furnace. At that time, the building was donated to the State Historical Society, who began restoring the damaged building.

Camp Hancock was designated as a historic site on October 12, 1955. The vintage 1909 Northern Pacific Railroad steam locomotive was donated to the site during its dedication ceremony. The locomotive underwent restoration in 2010, which included a long-awaited shelter. The Bread of Life Church was added to the site in 1965.

Camp Hancock is located on Main Avenue near 1st Street.

Click to view additional Camp Hancock pictures.