Discovery Series Ornament – North Dakota
Discovery Ornament – North Dakota comes from the U.S. state that borders the Canadian province whose ornament we reviewed recently. Interestingly, it also features a fisherman!
North Dakota’s history is rooted in the cultures of the Indigenous peoples who lived on the plains long before European settlement. The region later became part of the Louisiana Purchase and began to grow with the westward expansion of the railroads in the late 1800s. When North Dakota entered the Union in 1889, it carried forward a heritage shaped by agriculture, open landscapes, and frontier resilience. Today, the state blends this rich past with a deep appreciation for nature and rural life.
– The honey jar highlights one of North Dakota’s most defining industries. As the nation’s leading honey producer, the state’s vast prairies support countless beekeepers who rely on the flowering plants that thrive in the region’s climate. The bees circling nearby reflect the careful balance between agriculture and the natural environment that keeps North Dakota’s honey renowned for its purity and taste.
– The Wild Prairie Rose, North Dakota’s official state flower, adds color and character to the ornament. Known scientifically as Rosa blanda or Rosa arkansana, this delicate bloom thrives across sunny prairies and rolling plains. Its soft pink petals symbolize the quiet beauty of the region and have long been a cherished emblem of the state’s natural heritage.
– Fishing is another beloved pastime in North Dakota, represented here by the peaceful angler beside the water. The state fish, the Northern Pike, is a prized catch in the lakes and rivers that define much of the landscape. Hardy, spirited, and fast-moving, the Northern Pike embodies the rugged outdoor experiences that draw anglers from near and far.
– A separate scene suggests the presence of the Liberty Memorial Bridge, a historic structure that spans the Missouri River and symbolizes connection across the state. Nearby, the appearance of an exceptionally long train hints at North Dakota’s place along some of the longest freight routes in the United States. Rail transport has been essential to the state’s agriculture and industry, carrying grain, goods, and resources across vast distances.
Together, the honey, prairie rose, fishing imagery, and nods to transportation paint a warm portrait of North Dakota. The ornament captures the state’s natural splendour, outdoor traditions, and the strong ties that link communities across the northern plains.
