Belden, ND
Mountrail County
Inhabited as of 6/05
Belden was founded by Finnish settlers in 1904. Like many ghost towns, the origins of it’s name are still in dispute. It is named either for W.L. Belden, US Indian Agent-at-Large at Fort Berthold, or for the Postmaster’s hometown in Indiana.
Although the locals denied it, Belden was once said to be a hotbed of communist activity. Couldn’t have been much of a hotbed however considering Belden’s population never really got above 25.
Although the locals denied it, Belden was once said to be a hotbed of communist activity. Couldn’t have been much of a hotbed however considering Belden’s population never really got above 25.
In the late 2000′s, the oil industry began booming in the area and some site visitors have reported new residents in abandoned towns like Belden.
Private Property signs are prominently posted in Belden, and the road which used to lead into town is very overgrown.
**Source Material – North Dakota Place Names – Douglas Wick
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Not a ghosttown anymore…
Why do you say that, Jerry?
Oil Activity!!
Can you tell us anymore than that, Jerry? Are any of the building pictured on this page inhabited again?
A New Store was built across the Highway from a New Cabin that replaces the Old Store site and a Electrical Substation along with several oil wells dot the Highway there. The Church is used regularly.
There is a bed and breakfast that was once my grandfathers farm.
we lived across the road from the Isaacsons…the Matt Niemitalo family….I remember Robbie, Greg, Mona Lou, and Bebe very well and often wondered what happened to them..I am Susan
The old Beldon Store used to have the best deal around for maverick jeans – cheaper than Minot and the Husa’s would usually throw some free candy in on the deal.
I have lots of fond memories of Belden N.D.My Grandparents Nestor and Annie Laukala were from there.They had a farm there for years.Almost all the houses and bussisness I have been in are gone.There is oil activity there.Lots of wells pumping.I miss the way it used to be.Everything changes and it is sad.I was in Belden in July.There is a little convienient store where the post office used to be.The church still has services every Sunday.There is a beautiful cabin in town that we stayed at for the Belden Reunion back in 2007.This last time we were there we stayed at Fred Evans place.They have a lovely place in the counrty.They have extraordinary cabins out there.We stayed in there cabin for a week.It was so peaceful and relaxing.I am so glad I went back one last time.The Good memories will always be in my heart.
These houses belonged to my relatives
Interesting since ND was my home state.