Cities and Towns in Divide County, North Dakota
Founded in 1910, Divide County is one of 53 counties in the state of North Dakota. The city of Crosby is the county seat. With FIPS code of 23, Divide County has a population of 2,188 and area of 1,259 square miles (3,261 km²).
List of all cities in Divide County, ND alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ambrose, ND | 58833 | 701 |
| Colgan, ND | 58844 | 701 |
| Crosby, ND | 58730 | 701 |
| Fortuna, ND | 58844 | 701 |
| Noonan, ND | 58765 | 701 |
Major Cities and Towns in Divide County, North Dakota
Crosby
Overview
- Area: Approximately 1.41 square miles
- Population: 1,065 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58730
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.8164° N, 103.1756° W
Location and History
Crosby, the county seat of Divide County, is situated in the northwestern part of North Dakota, near the Canadian border. Founded in 1904 at the terminus of a Great Northern Railway branch line, the city was named after S.A. Crosby, a businessman from Portal involved in its establishment. Crosby became the county seat following the division of Williams County in 1910. Over the years, it has developed into a central hub for the surrounding agricultural community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Crosby is home to Divide County High School, serving students from the city and surrounding areas. A notable landmark is the Divide County Museum, also known as the Divide County Pioneer Village, which features approximately 25 restored historical buildings, including two churches, a schoolhouse, a print shop, a general store, a sawmill, a blacksmith shop, a bakery, and the former First Bank of Crosby. Dedicated in 1979, the museum is operated by the Divide County Historical Society and has held threshing shows at the site.
Noonan
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.30 square miles
- Population: 137 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58765
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.8881° N, 103.0107° W
Location and History
Noonan is located in the southeastern part of Divide County. Established in 1907, the city was named after a family that had business, farm, and coal interests in the area. It was once known as “The White City” due to an ordinance requiring all buildings to be painted white. Noonan has a rich history tied to the coal mining industry, which played a significant role in its early development.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Noonan’s educational needs are served by the Divide County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Crosby. A notable landmark in Noonan is the Travelers Hotel, a historic building that reflects the city’s early 20th-century architecture and serves as a reminder of its vibrant past.
Ambrose
Overview
- Area: Approximately 1.01 square miles
- Population: 24 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58833
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.9711° N, 103.4821° W
Location and History
Ambrose is situated in the northwestern corner of Divide County, near the Canadian border. Founded in 1906 along the Soo Railway, the city was named in honor of a railroad worker. Ambrose has maintained its small-town charm over the years, with a rich history connected to the expansion of the railway and agriculture in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Educational services for Ambrose residents are provided by the Divide County School District, with students attending schools in Crosby. A significant landmark in Ambrose is the Ambrose Lutheran Church, which stands as a testament to the city’s historical roots and the enduring faith of its community.
Fortuna
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.30 square miles
- Population: 22 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58844
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.9100° N, 103.7800° W
Location and History
Fortuna is located in the western part of Divide County, close to the Montana border. The city was founded in 1913 and quickly developed into a bustling economic center with various businesses, including a newspaper, post office, lumber yard, grain elevator, barbershop, hardware store, pool room, and a movie theater. Fortuna’s growth was closely tied to the agricultural boom of the early 20th century.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fortuna’s educational needs are met by the Divide County School District, with students attending schools in Crosby. A notable landmark in Fortuna is the Fortuna School, which opened in 1915 and reflects the city’s commitment to education during its early years. Although the school is no longer operational, it remains a symbol of the community’s rich educational history.
