Eddy County Courthouse
- Population 1,391
- County Seat
- Located on US Highway 281
- Burlington Northern Railroad
- Red River Valley and Western Railroad
- Quiet, Scenic, and Friendly
- Paved, Lighted Airport
- Nursing Home & Assisted Living Facilities
- Public School for Grades K-12
- Medical and Dental Clinics
- Senior Citizen Center
- Auditorium
- City Park,Playground and Pool
- Camping
- City Library
- Motel
- Weekly Newspaper
- Fiber Optic Phone Service
- High-Speed Internet Access
- Recreational Opportunities For All Seasons
- Low Income Housing
- 130 acre Industrial Park
The spirit's alive in New Rockford! Situated in the center of North Dakota's four largest cities, New Rockford is a prosperous community of approximately 1,463 people. The town is 150 miles from Fargo, 135 miles from Bismarck, 125 miles from Grand Forks, and 120 miles from Minot.
What's in the name?
In 1882 Capt. Walter G. Dunn settled just to the south of the present New Rockford townsite and started a general merchandise store and established post office named Dunn. As the rail line extended further toward the north, railroad townsite promoters arrived in 1883. They chose a townsite on the James River and originally called it Garrison for an eastern railroad official and stokeholder named Lloyd Garrison. Because that name was in conflict with another post office, other names considered were Rocky Forde, Rockville and Rockford; derived from the rock forde at this point. All of these were rejected, and so the name New Rockford was finally chosen in 1883.
Early Settlers
The Eddy County area was settled mostly by Scandinavian descendants who either followed the trail made by the Red River buffalo hunters or later came via the Northern Pacific Railway.
New Rockford Today
New Rockford has developed into an active service center with a prosperous farm economy and numerous small business, all adding to New Rockford's busy business life.
The future looks bright for New Rockford and the Eddy County area! Vigorous industry, progressive merchants and farmers combine to provide job opportunities and attract new business.
The pace of life in the New Rockford area is slower than experienced in the large urban centers. In New Rockford people have time to live! People who live in the community are often within walking distance of their place of employment. The only time there is a traffic jam is right before the close of business at the post office.
New Rockford is a pleasant place to live. The town is filled with tree-lined streets and neatly kept older homes in the center of town and newer subdivisions at the outer edges. Houses for every budget are available-- from starter homes to more elegant, energy-efficient homes built by local contractors.
Quiet residential areas ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable place to live and raise a family. Your neighbors are not just neighbors, they are your friends!
In addition to single family dwellings, there are a number of apartment facilities, three mobile home parks, an assisted living facility and a nursing home.
In a small community, everyone has a greater responsibility to ensure that there are activities for everyone to enjoy. The residents of the New Rockford area have risen to that challenge by offering a variety of activities from art to snowmobiling.
The citizens of New Rockford invite you to browse this site to learn more about us. We hope you'll agree that we are peaceful, prosperous and have potential!
