Jamestown in Stutsman County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
First Catholic Church in Stutsman County
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2024
1. First Catholic Church in Stutsman County Marker
On this site the first Catholic church in Stutsman County was built in 1882. This church was designated the First Catholic Cathedral in the State of North Dakota, during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII. Bishop John Shandley, the first bishop of the State of North Dakota, was residence from 1890 to 1891.
The present church, built in 1914, was designated in 1974 as a Church of Pilgrimage by Bishop Justin A. Driscoll during the Holy Year proclaimed by Pope Paul VI for the entire world. The Apostolic Delegate to the United States, Most Reverend Jean Jadot, visited this church on July 18, 1975.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 46° 54.16′ N, 98° 42.512′ W. Marker is in Jamestown, North Dakota, in Stutsman County. It is at the intersection of 1st Avenue South (U.S. 52/281) and 6th Street Southwest, on the left when traveling north on 1st Avenue South. The marker is on the south side of the St. James Basilica grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Dakota’s Drift Prairie. 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: St. James Catholic Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Gilbert R. Horton (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peggy Lee (about 600 feet away); 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dr. Helena K. Wink (approx. Ό mile away); Northern Pacific Railroad Park Gazebo Replica (approx. Ό mile away); Edna LaMoore Waldo (approx. Ό mile away); Alfred Dickey (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jamestown.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . . St. James Basilica (Wikipedia).
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2024
2. First Catholic Church in Stutsman County Marker
The marker is at the base of this sign beside today's St. James Basilica.
Excerpt: Catholics settled in the Jamestown area as early as 1872, and the first Mass was celebrated in the town on January 10, 1879. As the congregation had no building to call its own for three years, they met in hotels, school buildings, and meeting halls. They also did not have a pastor so they were served by visiting clergy. Father Flannigan became the parish's first pastor in 1882. He raised $6,000 to build a frame church that measured 86 by 60 feet, and a small rectory next door. They were completed in June 1882. Anton Klaus, a prominent Jamestown citizen, donated the block on which the buildings were built. It was dedicated by Bishop Martin Marty, OSB on May 13, 1883. On November 10, 1889 Pope Leo XIII established the Diocese of Jamestown, and St. James became the cathedral church for the new diocese.(Submitted on July 15, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2024
3. St. James Basilica
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 15, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
