Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Bowman County, Haley, North Dakota, stands as a captivating testament to frontier ambition and unexpected turns of fate. This once-thriving settlement, though now a mere echo of its former self, boasts a rich history intertwined with gold prospecting, pioneering spirit, and a serendipitous clerical error that forever cemented its name. The story of Haley, North Dakota, begins with the whispers of gold, drawing hopefuls to a land that promised prosperity amidst the Dakota Territory’s vast expanse.
The earliest documented mention of the area that would eventually become Haley dates back to 1864. Captain James L. Fisk, a fervent promoter of western settlement, traversed the Dakota Territory and claimed to have discovered a promising ‘hill of gold’ along Deep Creek in what is now Bowman County. Despite his enthusiastic pronouncements, this initial claim failed to ignite a substantial gold rush. Years later, however, a prospector named William Gay experienced a modicum of success while sifting for placer gold from the Grand River. While his find was not monumental enough to create a widespread following, Gay’s contribution would not be entirely forgotten. When the town was founded in 1898, it was intended to honor this miner by being named ‘Galey.’ Yet, a clerical oversight by a postal official inadvertently led to its permanent designation as Haley.
The Genesis of Haley: Early Settlement and Development
Founded in an era when the region was still part of Billings County, Haley later became a component of Bowman County upon its organization in 1907. The town’s first settler and a pivotal figure in its early development was Richard Ludlow Jackson. Operating the initial post office from his humble sod home, Jackson was deeply involved in ranching, laying the groundwork for the community. The early settlers held a strong conviction that the burgeoning Milwaukee Railroad line would follow the path of the Grand River, a belief that spurred the town’s establishment. Ironically, the railroad ultimately bypassed Haley by approximately 15 miles to the north. Despite this setback, the community flourished, attracting numerous homesteaders to the surrounding area.
Richard Jackson, often affectionately known as ‘Uncle Dick Jackson,’ extended his entrepreneurial spirit by constructing a hotel, also crafted from sod. This establishment stood just west of Haley, across Scranton Road, and its crumbled walls remain discernible today, offering a tangible link to the past. The hotel quickly gained renown as a popular stopping point for travelers journeying between Dickinson, Camp Crook, and the Black Hills country. It also served as a crucial stop on the Dickinson-Belle Fourche stage line. The Gascoyne Gazette lauded Jackson’s hospitality, stating, ‘Here, many a traveler enjoyed his genial hospitality, and his jovial manner and popularity won friends from far and near.’ Such accounts underscore the vital role Haley played as a hub of activity in the frontier landscape.
Engineering Feat: The Haley Bridge
In a significant infrastructural development, the Haley Bridge was erected in 1910, spanning the Grand River just southwest of the townsite. Constructed by A.Y. Bayne of Minneapolis, this robust bridge features an iron frame set upon concrete footings, supporting a double-planked roadway. Though it no longer carries vehicular traffic, the bridge impressively still stands today, a testament to early 20th-century engineering. When proposals emerged in recent years to dismantle the historic structure, local citizens rallied, organizing a historical association that successfully purchased and preserved the span, ensuring its legacy for future generations. This act of preservation highlights the community’s deep connection to its heritage.
Community Life and Local Businesses
The early 1910s saw Haley’s community spirit thrive, exemplified by the establishment of a local newspaper. In 1911, Pastor E.A. Hobbs launched The Haley Record, commencing weekly publication on May 26th. While its precise publication run remains elusive, it was listed as an operating business in a 1916 Business Directory. The same directory also reveals that Haley supported two churches—a Catholic and a Lutheran congregation—and offered a daily stage service to Gascoyne for a modest fare of $1. The presence of a Roman Catholic church explains the existence of the Haley Catholic Cemetery, located on a hill just north of town, though the church building itself has long since vanished.
At the heart of Haley’s commercial activity was the Haley Store, built by John Currey in 1900 and later owned by Oliver Ellingson. Nearby, the Bores Head Saloon served as a lively gathering place, particularly for the area’s cowboys. Local lore abounds with tales from these establishments. It’s said that cowboys frequently ‘shot up’ the saloon on Saturday nights, leaving numerous holes in the ceiling. Another dramatic account describes a high-noon shootout on Main Street in front of the general store, where two cowboys emptied their weapons without a single hit, only to return the following Saturday, having forgotten their quarrel. The Haley Store itself was not immune to such antics. On one occasion, a cowboy demanded Ellingson ‘dance’ while he fired bullets into the floor, an event Ellingson would recount, often removing his shoe to reveal a missing toe—a vivid reminder of the wild frontier spirit. Other businesses essential to frontier life also emerged, including a hotel, a bank, a butcher, a blacksmith, a doctor, and a barber, painting a picture of a self-sufficient and vibrant community.
Tragedy and Decline
The arc of Haley’s story, like many frontier towns, includes periods of profound challenge and decline. On August 3, 1915, town founder Richard L. Jackson, the beloved ‘Uncle Dick,’ passed away at the age of 73. The Gascoyne Gazette mourned his loss, declaring, ‘The passing of this grand old pioneer casts sorrow throughout this part of the country, as there was no man better known than Uncle Dick Jackson. He was one of nature’s noblemen in its truest sense – brave, generous, manly. His was a soul of honor and his friends and friendships were sacred to him.’ He was laid to rest in the cemetery on his homestead, leaving a lasting void.
Just three years later, in 1918, Haley, like the rest of the world, was gripped by the devastating Flu Pandemic. This global health crisis claimed an estimated 20 to 40 million lives worldwide. Haley’s town doctor, 35-year-old John Poppe, diligently ministered to his afflicted patients during the outbreak. Tragically, he contracted the deadly virus himself, dying on October 27, 1918, a testament to the dangers faced by those on the front lines of the pandemic. In 1921, a destructive fire swept through the village, consuming several buildings, including the post office, which subsequently relocated to the old hotel building.
The mid-20th century brought further changes and eventual decline. In the 1940s, a Lutheran church was carefully moved to Haley from South Dakota. Remarkably, this church continues to stand in Haley today, maintaining an active congregation despite the town’s dwindling population of only two people. Haley’s post office, a cornerstone of its community identity, closed permanently in 1965. Two years later, in 1967, the Haley Store, revered as the oldest building in the county, also ceased operations, with the Anfinnsons being its last proprietors. These closures marked a turning point, signaling the gradual transition of Haley from a bustling settlement to a quiet ghost town.
Haley Today: A Glimpse into the Past
Today, Haley holds the distinction of being the oldest town in Bowman County, predating the arrival of the railroad by seven or eight years. Most of the original townsite is currently owned by a descendant of an early homesteader and his wife, maintaining a direct link to its pioneering past. Haley is situated approximately 14 miles south of Scranton, in close proximity to the South Dakota border, accessible by following Scranton Road south to Haley Road. Though its population is minimal, the enduring Lutheran church and the preserved Haley Bridge serve as poignant reminders of a vibrant community that once thrived on the edge of the American frontier. Haley, North Dakota, offers a compelling narrative of perseverance, community, and the passage of time.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Haley
The story of Haley, North Dakota, is more than just a historical account; it is a vivid illustration of the American pioneering spirit. From the initial lure of gold and the unexpected twist of its naming to its growth as a crucial stop along stagecoach lines and its eventual transformation into a ghost town, Haley encapsulates the triumphs and tribulations faced by countless frontier settlements. Its preserved bridge, the echoes of cowboy tales, and the steadfast presence of its small, active church all contribute to an enduring legacy. Haley remains a profound historical site, offering a tangible connection to the rugged determination and vibrant community life that defined North Dakota’s early years, inviting visitors to reflect on the lives of those who shaped this remarkable corner of the American West. Its silent streets whisper tales of a bygone era, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and those drawn to the romanticism of the past.
