The history of Bismarck dates back to the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1872, marking the location as the “Crossing on the Missouri.” Led by railroad contractor, Dr. Walter Burleigh, the small village was originally referred to as Burleigh Town. Later, the name changed to Camp Hancock when General W.S. Hancock arrived with military support and protection to the Northern Pacific Railroad crew. While the community was “an eyesore” to the higher ranking officers, the more common soldier serving at that time, loved the place. Although their affection might not have been for what many would argue were the right reasons. It was a rough up and coming community consisting mostly of bars and bawdy houses. In fact, it was even referred to by names such as, “Whiskey Ridge and Pleasant Point,” along with other names one likely shouldn’t repeat.

It is then no surprise why some 40 plus years later, the community which had grown considerably over the years, was feeling a great sense of pride on the evening of January 19th, 1914, when the Belle Mehus, known at that time as the “City Auditorium” first opened its doors to the public. It was designed by local architect, Arthur Van Horn, and done in the Beaux Art Style by the Bismarck Construction Company at a cost of $35,000. It served as a jewel of the community, which had at least somewhat separated itself from its former rough reputation.

Van Horn was one of North Dakota’s leading architects at the time. He founded the firm now known as Ritterbush Associates, and designed a number of downtown buildings–most notably the Kensington or Prince Hotel, which was originally the Van Horn Hotel, also on the Talking Trail and worth your while.

Opening night at the City Auditorium in 1914 did not disappoint. The night featured Reginald DeKoven’s popular operetta, “Robin Hood.” Entry to the event came at a premium–$18 for a box seat, which would have been an enormous sum of money at the time. But even so, the house was sold out that night.

The Bismarck Mandan Symphony website points out that “in addition to its physical beauty, the auditorium was blessed with superb acoustics.” Over the years, a number of famous visitors have graced its walls–President Woodrow Willson utilized the auditorium to solicit support for the League of Nations in 1919, and future president, John F. Kennedy also made an appearance here, among others.

In 1931, the City Auditorium along with the World War Memorial Building found next door, served to house the state legislature after the 1930 fire destroyed the old capitol building.

After decades of use, the once elegant auditorium had become worn down and ragged. Fortunately, in 1996 the community approved a 2.4 million dollar renovation. It has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was renamed the Belle Mehus City Auditorium in 1989 in honor of a beloved local music teacher and continues to serve the Bismarck Mandan community by providing a stage for local talent.