Grand Forks in Grand Forks County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Welcome to Memorial Park
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, July 26, 2020
1. Welcome to Memorial Park Marker
You are standing at the site of the former Security Building, the first structure consumed by the devastating fire that broke out at the height of the 1997 flood of the Red River of the North. This combination of fire and flood - or "Hell and High Water," as it was named by the Grand Forks Herald - scorched the image of Grand Forks into the minds of people around the world. This subsequently became the location of a temporary Memorial Park that occupied the site until permanent redevelopment could take place. While Memorial Park no longer exists, the commemorative plaques and sculpture that it contained were made a permanent part of this downtown block. Please take some time to enjoy these features and think of those who braved the flood and fire, fought the good fight, and had the fortitude and foresight to persevere.
Erected by City of Grand Forks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Disasters • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1997.
Location. 47° 55.544′ N, 97° 1.914′ W. Marker is in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in Grand Forks County. It is at the intersection of 1st Avenue North and North 3rd Street on 1st Avenue North. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 1sst Avenue North, Grand Forks ND 58203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Dakota’s Red River Valley. It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Evacuating Two Cities (a few steps from this marker); The Flood Fight Begins (a few steps from this marker); The River Wins (a few steps from this marker); A Brutal Winter (within shouting distance of this marker); Blizzard "Hannah" (within shouting distance of this marker); Security Trust Company (within shouting distance of this marker); New Hampshire Apartments (within shouting distance of this marker); Dinnie Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Forks.
Also see . . . 1997 Red River flood. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on March 20, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, July 26, 2020
2. Welcome to Memorial Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 427 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 29, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide shot of marker and environs. • Can you help?
