Bergen, North Dakota: Population 7
Bergen is a near-ghost town in McHenry county, just off Highway 52, about 30 miles southeast of Minot. The town was founded with a post office in 1905, and the railroad arrived in 1907. Bergen’s peak population was reportedly 98 residents.
Like most of the little railroad towns we’ve photographed, the population began to dwindle during the Depression and Dust Bowl years, partly due to hardship, and partly due to changing transportation and agricultural practices. According to the 2010 Census, only 7 remain. These photos were taken that same year.
US Census Data for Bergen
Total Population by Place
1960 – 52
1970 – 24
1980 – 24
2000 – 11
2010 – 7
Bergen is near Balfour, Kief, and several other towns we’ve photographed.
A site visitor has asked about a murder/suicide that reportedly happened in the farm house where she lives in the Bergen area (see comments below). Do you know anything about it?
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Above: The former Bergen Public School, home of the Bergen Vikings. This school was only used for a little more than a decade–built in the 50s and closed in the 60s.
What do you know about Bergen, North Dakota? Please leave a comment below.
Photos by Terry Hinnenkamp, copyright © 2016 Sonic Tremor Media
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Troy Larson is an author, photographer, gentleman adventurer (debatable) from Fargo, North Dakota, and co-founder of Ghosts of North Dakota. @NorthDakotaTroy