On this date, in 1883 Jamestown College was incorporated. The Presbyterians had been considering founding a college in either Minnesota or Dakota Territory and began receiving offers from interested cities the year before. Grand Forks made a bid, but with UND opening the following year, its appeal diminished. Fergus Falls was more established, offering a location in an official State of the Union. Reverend C.B. Stevens of Fargo favored a beautiful setting on the rim of the James Valley at Jamestown, population 425. However, the Northern Pacific Presbytery chose Casselton.