Welcome to the historic World War Memorial Building, located here on 6th Street in downtown Bismarck. Not to be confused with the Liberty Memorial Building, on the State Capitol grounds.

So how could we possibly honor veterans of war? Well, in 1929 with nearly 75% support, the voters of the community of Bismarck overwhelmingly decided to honor the Veterans of World War I by erecting a building that would honor those brave soldiers who had returned home from battle, and the others who had made the greatest sacrifice of all.

While the Great Depression began with the Wall Street Crash in October of 1929, the support for the World War Memorial Building did not lessen. The city funded $125,000, while the county chipped in $84,000, and on December 31st of 1929, the cornerstone of the building before you was laid.

While it was originally dedicated to honor World War I veterans, it has since expanded to rightfully celebrate all Veterans–namely those of World War II. The Art Deco-style building utilized the most modern of construction techniques, from it’s heating system to the steel frame, which supports 700,000 bricks. Perhaps you have witnessed a basketball or volleyball game inside these doors, or even played in one yourself…

The state legislature met here from 1931 to 1934 after the former State Capitol Building had burned down, and while the new one was being constructed.