Seven Coffins Containing Human Remains Discovered Near North Dakota Governor's Residence

Seven ancient coffins containing human remains, including that of a toddler, were discovered near the North Dakota governor’s residence, as confirmed by state officials. The coffins and an empty wooden box were found during security upgrades at the Bismarck property, leading to a months-long excavation process, according to the state Office of Management and Budget. The remains are believed to belong to two women, two men, two teenage boys, and one toddler, as reported by People magazine. The discovery occurred in the vicinity of Bismarck’s first cemetery, which operated from 1873 to 1877, although many of those buried there were reinterred to nearby St. Mary’s Cemetery and Fairview Cemetery in the 1880s, according to the Bismarck Monitor. State Historical Society of North Dakota spokesperson Kara Haff stated that it was previously thought in the 1880s that all remains had been exhumed. Brandon Solberg, the facilities management director for the Office of Management and Budget, mentioned that archaeologists completed their fieldwork on September 14 and identified over 80 areas of interest. The research team is currently cataloging their findings and is expected to complete their analysis early next year. Meanwhile, officials are collaborating with a local funeral home to manage the remains before reinterment at another cemetery in the spring, as reported by the Monitor. The remains were uncovered following state lawmakers' approval of $2.35 million for security upgrades to the governor’s residence, which is home to Governor Kelly Armstrong, including enhancements to fencing and driveway extensions. The archaeological work incurred an additional estimated cost of $155,000.