Welcome to the beautiful, historic Cathedral District. You might consider walking a few blocks in each direction to check out the historic homes, and to view the Cathedral itself, which is located off West Avenue B and Raymond Street.

The Development of the Cathedral Area Historic District, also known as “the Hill”, all started with Clarence B. Little, an attorney and founder of the Provident Life Insurance Co. who purchased property on the hill overlooking Bismarck’s early commercial core. He built the Shingle Style mansion at the northwest corner of N Washington St. and W Ave A in 1906, setting the trend for other well-to-do Bismarckers to construct stately residences along Avenues A and B, to take advantage of what was then a panoramic view of the Missouri River valley.

Through the first half of the 20th Century, many of Bismarck’s most prominent figures bought up lots and built homes here. Three-term Governor “Honest” John Burke, who also served as Treasurer of the United States (1913-1921), lived at 224 W Ave A. In the 1920s, Governor “Wild” Bill Langer moved into the bungalow just down the street, at 114 W Ave A. Local physicians Dr. Lloyd Shipfer and Dr. Reuben Waldschmidt had homes on Ave B, as did A.W. Mundy, owner of the A.W. Lucas & Co. department store. Other movers and shakers in the neighborhood included George and Stella Mann, publisher and owners of the Bismarck Tribune; early archaeologist, historian, and horticulturist George Will; poet and artist Clell Gannon and his wife Ruth, both leaders in Bismarck arts and culture; Mayor Neil O. Churchill, auto dealer and manager of the Bismarck baseball team for whom Satchel Paige was the star pitcher, and many more.