172 - John Moses Park
Sunlit trees and grassy areas surround a monument at John Moses Park in Hazen, ND.
Immediately following the turn of the 20th century, North Dakota experienced a time of immense growth. In fact, from 1900 to 1920, the population more than tripled, largely due to immigrants from overseas. The two largest groups were Germans from Russia and Scandinavians, one of who would become the 22nd governor of North Dakota.
The story begins in Norway in 1885 when John Moses was born. He came to the United States at eighteen years old. Imagine how a young man would feel traveling across the Atlantic Ocean with a ship likely full of strangers bound for an unfamiliar land. The trip across the sea was likely turbulent, but his journey was just beginning. Back on land, he set out west, once again, this time across rugged mountains and vast plains. During his early days in North Dakota, John Moses worked for the Great Northern Railway. He graduated from law school at the University of North Dakota in 1915 and began practicing law in Hazen two years later . He also served as the Mercer County State’s Attorney for several years.
John Moses called Hazen home for over fifteen years before being elected Governor of North Dakota in 1939. He was a popular governor, serving during World War II. It was also a time of prosperity for farmers across the state, rain was abundant and prices were handsome. After his time in the governor's office, he ran for the United States Senate. He defeated the incumbent but unfortunately died two months after taking his oath. His legacy, however, lives on, especially in Hazen.
John Moses Memorial Park is one of oldest parks in Hazen. With well-established evergreen and shade trees, the park is a serene spot near the center of town. John Moses, perhaps one of Hazen’s most distinguished citizens, was the only Hazenite ever elected governor.