Once a bustling railroad town, Gascoyne, North Dakota, stands today as a poignant example of the many ghost towns dotting the vast plains of Bowman County. This historic community, like others such as Griffin and Haley, emerged directly from the ambitious expansion of the Milwaukee Railroad in the early 20th century, which strategically placed towns across the landscape.
The story of Gascoyne, North Dakota, is deeply intertwined with the saga of American railroad development, particularly the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad, more famously known as the Milwaukee Road.
The Milwaukee Road and the Birth of Gascoyne
The impetus for the Milwaukee Road’s westward expansion came from intense competition with other railway giants like the Northern Pacific Railway and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. In 1901, facing the prospect of being reliant on rivals for Pacific access, the Milwaukee Road commissioned an engineer to scout a new route to the Pacific. The estimated cost of $45 million (over a billion dollars in today’s money) led to considerable deliberation, but by November 1905, the board approved the monumental task of constructing a line stretching to Tacoma and Seattle, Washington.
It was during this era of ambitious railway construction that Gascoyne was officially established in 1907 as a dedicated townsite for the Milwaukee Road. Initially, the settlement bore the name Fischbein, honoring Henry G. Fishbein, who was among the community’s pioneering residents and served as its first postmaster. However, on March 25, 1908, the name was officially changed to Gascoyne.
The origin of the name Gascoyne offers two intriguing possibilities. One popular account attributes it to a construction foreman working on the transcontinental rail line that passed through the nascent town. An alternative, and perhaps more fitting, explanation suggests the name was a nod to the significant natural gas deposits believed to exist in the surrounding area, a resource that would later play a crucial role in the town’s industrial life.
Life and Decline in a Small Prairie Town
Gascoyne, North Dakota, despite its strategic railroad connection, was never a large metropolis. Its population reached its zenith in 1930, counting 97 residents. From this point, the town embarked on a slow, inexorable decline, leading to its current population of just 16 people. Yet, during its more vibrant years, Gascoyne offered a range of essential services and social hubs for its community.
The town once boasted a hardware store, a bowling alley for recreation, a local grocery store, a Standard Oil station, several taverns providing social gathering spots, and a town hall that was particularly cherished for the numerous dances it hosted, forming the heart of the community’s social calendar. These businesses provided the lifeblood of the small settlement, catering to the needs and entertainment of its residents.
Education was centered in a prominent school building constructed in the 1910s. This impressive structure featured three large classrooms and a spacious basement that initially accommodated competitive basketball games, reflecting the community’s spirit. Later, these sporting events moved to the Woodman Hall, which has since been lost to time. Over the years, the Gascoyne school experienced changes, eventually merging with the school system in nearby Scranton, located approximately four miles northwest. This consolidation meant that elementary students from both Gascoyne and Scranton attended school in Scranton for grades 1-4, while grades 5-8 were taught in Gascoyne. All high school students were directed to Scranton. Ultimately, the Gascoyne school closed its doors permanently, with all students transitioning to Scranton, marking a significant shift in the town’s infrastructure.
The Era of Lignite Coal Mining
A pivotal, though now almost invisible, chapter in Gascoyne, North Dakota‘s history was the discovery and extraction of lignite coal. For much of the 20th century, a coal mine operated in the area, significantly contributing to the local economy. The period between 1975 and 1995 represented the peak of its activity, during which the mine was highly productive, yielding approximately 2.5 million tons of lignite annually. This substantial output primarily supplied the Big Stone Power Plant located near Big Stone City, South Dakota.
However, the mining operations began to slow down in 1995 and were completely shut down by 1997. Interestingly, despite its considerable past activity and industrial significance, there is currently no discernible evidence of these extensive mining activities in the Gascoyne area, a testament to nature’s reclamation and perhaps efficient land restoration efforts.
The Erickson Grocery: Gascoyne’s Last Retail Business
As Gascoyne continued its slow decline, the town saw the closure of its vital services. The local post office, a cornerstone of any community, ceased operations in 1971 following the retirement of its dedicated postmaster, Gladys Erickson, who was not replaced. The Erickson Grocery, a general store managed by Gladys and Francis Erickson, housed the post office and holds the distinction of being the very last retail business to close its doors in Gascoyne, North Dakota, in 1972.
This historic building still stands today on the west side of Main Street, positioned in what was once the vibrant business district. Now owned by the city of Gascoyne, the store’s architecture features a distinctive false brick front adorned with drainage tile trim, while its other three walls are finished with stucco over tile. It serves as a tangible link to the town’s past commercial activity and the community spirit that once thrived there.
Gascoyne Today: A Glimpse into the Past
Today, Gascoyne, North Dakota, stands as a quiet echo of its former self. There are no longer any operational businesses, no active church, and the school has long been closed, eventually torn down in 2016 due to structural concerns. Despite this, many of its old commercial buildings remain remarkably well-preserved, offering a tangible link to its rich history.
With a population of approximately 16 remaining residents, Gascoyne continues to exist, albeit as a largely residential settlement steeped in the character of a prairie ghost town. The old town is conveniently located on Highway 12 in southwestern North Dakota, positioned about 17 miles southeast of Bowman, inviting those interested in history and forgotten places to explore its serene streets and silent structures.
Conclusion: A Legacy on the Prairie
The journey of Gascoyne, North Dakota, from a hopeful railroad town and coal mining hub to a quiet, nearly forgotten ghost town, encapsulates a common narrative of many small settlements across the American prairie. Its story is a testament to the cycles of boom and bust driven by industry and infrastructure. While the bustling days of the Milwaukee Road and the roar of the lignite mine are long past, Gascoyne continues to hold its ground, preserving memories and structures that speak volumes about North Dakota’s pioneering spirit and the enduring allure of its ghost towns.
