Medora
State: North Dakota
County: Billings County
Founded: 1883
Peak Population: 1,000+
Medora is where Theodore Roosevelt became Theodore Roosevelt. He ranched here after his wife and mother died on the same day, and later said he 'never would have been President without my time in North Dakota.' Founded by a French Marquis, it nearly died after an 1886-87 winter killed 90% of cattle—then revived as a tourist destination.
Quick Facts
- TR said he 'never would have been President' without North Dakota
- Named for the Marquis de Mores's wife
- 1886-87 winter killed 90% of cattle in the region
- Revived from near-ghost-town by businessman Harold Schafer
Location
Address: Medora, Billings County, North Dakota
Coordinates: 46.9136, -103.5244