Goshen County Fairgrounds | Torrington

The Regent Town Historic District is a designated area within Regent, North Dakota, preserving a collection of early 20th-century commercial buildings.

This district encompasses a specific section of the town's main street, showcasing its architectural heritage from a formative period.

Visual Characteristics

The district features a concentration of two-story structures constructed primarily from brick. Building facades exhibit a range of colors, predominantly red and brown brick, with some featuring stone accents around windows and doorways. Architectural styles represented include elements of Commercial style, characterized by simple massing, large display windows on the ground floor, and decorative cornices. Rooflines are generally flat or low-pitched, often concealed by parapets.

Location & Access Logistics

The Regent Town Historic District is located along Main Street in Regent, North Dakota. It is situated approximately 0.2 kilometers west of the intersection of Main Street and County Road 11. Access is directly from Main Street. Parking is available on-street along Main Street and in a small municipal lot located at the southwest corner of Main Street and 2nd Avenue. Public transport is not available within Regent.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Regent Town Historic District was developed primarily between 1905 and 1930, coinciding with the town's growth as a railroad and agricultural center. The buildings were constructed by local merchants and business owners to serve the expanding population. The original purpose of these structures was commercial, housing businesses such as general stores, banks, post offices, and professional offices. The area is situated on the Great Plains, a region characterized by rolling topography and fertile soil, historically supporting agriculture.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the preserved architectural facades of the historic buildings. Walking tours focusing on the district's history are available upon request from the local historical society. Photography of the building exteriors is permitted. The ground floors of several buildings house active businesses, allowing for interior viewing of commercial spaces.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within some of the operating businesses in the district. Limited shade is provided by awnings on some buildings. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors and restaurants are located within the district and on adjacent streets.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is during the morning or late afternoon when sunlight provides angled illumination on the brick facades. The months of June through September offer the most favorable weather conditions for exploring the district on foot. No specific tide requirements are applicable.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical oddity is the presence of a former bank building within the district that was reportedly robbed only once in its operational history, with the perpetrators never apprehended. A local tip for visitors is to look for the original signage or ghost signs still visible on some of the older brickwork.

Nearby Landmarks

• Regent Public Library - 0.1km East
• Regent Community Hall - 0.3km Southeast
• Hettinger County Historical Society Museum - 0.5km Southwest