7 COFFINS DISCOVERED NEAR GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE — INCLUDING THE REMAINS OF A TODDLER

A construction project near a U.S. governor’s residence has uncovered a remarkable piece of forgotten history: seven coffins containing human remains, along with an unidentified wooden box.

The discovery was made near the North Dakota Governor’s Residence in Bismarck after contractors found human remains on May 19, 2026, while working on a fence around the property.

What began as an unexpected discovery led to a much larger archaeological investigation.

Archaeologists from the State Historical Society of North Dakota examined the area using ground-penetrating radar. During fieldwork completed in September, they identified and recovered seven coffins containing human remains, while more than 80 potential areas of interest were flagged for investigation.

Preliminary analysis indicated that the remains belonged to two women, two men, two teenage boys and one toddler.

The discovery has drawn attention because the land was once part of Bismarck’s early cemetery, which operated during the 1870s. Records from the 1880s suggested that efforts had been made to relocate the graves to other cemeteries.

However, the latest findings indicate that some burials may have remained at the site for well over a century.

Officials have emphasized that the remains must be treated with care and respect. Archaeologists will review and catalogue the recovered remains and objects, with their analysis expected to continue into early 2027.

The state has also arranged for a local funeral home to assist with the process. The remains are expected to be reburied at a local cemetery in spring 2027.

For now, the discovery appears to reveal a forgotten chapter in the area’s history rather than evidence of a confirmed crime. The investigation may help experts better understand who was buried there and what happened when the old cemetery was cleared.

More than a century later, the ground near the governor’s residence has revealed that the past may not have been completely left behind.

Source:

PEOPLE

Additional source: North Dakota Monitor