Devils Lake in Ramsey County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Sheriff's Residence

1913-1974

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

1. Sheriff's Residence Marker

Inscription. Listed on the
National Register of Historic Places
Managed by
Lake Region Heritage Center

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 48° 6.818′ N, 98° 51.569′ W. Marker is in Devils Lake, North Dakota, in Ramsey County. Marker is on 6th Street Northeast just east of 4th Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling east. The marker is mounted directly on the subject building, on the northwest corner of the front verandah railing. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 416 6th Street Northeast, Devils Lake ND 58301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Devils Lake Masonic Temple (within shouting distance of this marker); World War Memorial Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Episcopal Church of the Advent and Guild Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Westminster Presbyterian Church (about 300 feet away); The Gilbertson (about 300 feet away); The Firehouse (about 400 feet away); Locke Block

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 400 feet away); Kelly Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Devils Lake.

Regarding Sheriff's Residence. National Register of Historic Places #78003452.

From the National Register Nomination:
The former Ramsey County Sheriff's Residence, a well-preserved example of Georgian Revival architecture, is significant for its original long-term use as the official residence of the sheriffs of Ramsey County. Since 1974 it has served as a center for activities which promote and preserve the cultural legacy of the surrounding region.

The former Ramsey County Sheriff's Residence was designed by William D. Gillespie of Haxby and Gillespie, Fargo, and erected by Dinnie Brothers of Grand Forks, general contractors and builders. A 2-story brick jail originally adjoined the residence on the south, its facade facing west, and the combined cost of both buildings was approximately $40,000. During construction, a 126-foot-deep well was dug near the southwest corner of the house, one of six such water sources in the city but the only one which provided water fit for drinking and cooking. Operated for decades by a hand pump, the well was electrified with an automatic
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

2. Sheriff's Residence Marker
The marker is mounted on the northwest [right] corner of the front verandah railing.
pumping system in 1952.

During 1917-1918, the sheriff's residence was a "home away from home" for young men of Ramsey County staying overnight before departing Devils Lake for service in World War I. Their families were also accommodated when weather and road conditions dictated. Presumably the only use other than residential to which the building was put prior to 1974 occurred in 1951, when three second-floor bedrooms on the north side were occupied as offices by the Ramsey County Extension Agent, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Also see . . . Ramsey County Sheriff's House (Wikipedia). Excerpt:

The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office was designed by Haxby & Gillespie and was built in 1909 by the Dinnie Brothers. Also known as Lake Region Heritage Center, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. From 1974 on it served as a cultural center.

(Submitted on February 19, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Sheriff’s Residence (<i>northwest elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

3. Sheriff’s Residence (northwest elevation)

Sheriff’s Residence (<i>northeast elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

4. Sheriff’s Residence (northeast elevation)

Sheriff’s Residence (<i>north/front elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

5. Sheriff’s Residence (north/front elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 42 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 19, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.