Human Remains at ND Capitol Grounds: 7 Coffins Removed

Back in May this year, a body was discovered at the North Dakota Capitol Grounds as construction crews were working on installing a new fence at the Governor's Mansion. KFYR, reported that crews uncovered human remains, coffin fragments and hardware parts on the property.

What's New With The Investigation And Next Steps

The State Historical Society had been investigating this with ground-penetrating radar, and believed there could be as many as ten bodies buried in the construction zone. Today, we've heard that archaeologists explored more than 80 areas of interest since the discovery. The Dakotan reported today that 7 coffins have been removed from the property.

The source published a statement from Brandon Solberg, the Facilities Management Director for the Office of Management and Budget, saying that archaeologists will now review and catalog all remains and items discovered during fieldwork. They project the analysis will continue into early 2027. Solberg also said DNA testing will not be part of the process.

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KX News also reported on this and said the area was once used as a burial ground/cemetery during our state's early settlement period (1873-1877). Reports indicate this could be one of the first cemeteries in Bismarck.

The sources also say this isn't the first time bodies have been found in the Southwest corner of the Capitol Grounds; burials had also been found in 1903 and 1959.