The area that was to become Ramsey County was part of the Dakota Territory which was formed in 1861 and included not only North and South Dakota but also Montana and Wyoming. In 1864, the latter two become the Montana Territory. In 1873 when the Dakota Territory was divided into North Dakota and South Dakota, Pembina County which had been formed in 1867 from Indian Lands was divided into seven counties in addition to the portion that remained Pembina. These counties were Cavalier, Foster, Grand Forks, La Moure, Ramsey, Ransom, and Stutsman. In 1883, a portion was removed from Ramsey County to become Benson county. In 1889, sixteen years after Ramsey became a county, North Dakota became our 39th state.

Ramsey County was established 4 Jan 1873 from Pembina County and organized 25 Jan 1883. The county seat was Creel City, but renamed Devils Lake in 1884. The County was named for Alexander Ramsey (1815-1903), first Governor of Minnesota Territory, later served as state's Governor, US Senator, Secretary of War under President Rutherford B Hayes. Also, he was namesake of Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Andreas' 1884 Historical Atlas of Dakota is a must read for anyone researching in Ramsey County. Many of the early settler's names are listed, particularly the very first to enter, organize and do business in the county. 

Township Map      1888 Territory Map   

Townships