Bonanza farms

Bonanza farms developed as a result of a number of factors, including the efficient new machinery of the 1870s, cheap abundant land available during that period, the growth of eastern markets in the U.S., and completion of most major railroads between the farming areas and markets.

Developers bought land close to the Northern Pacific Railroad, for ease of transport of their wheat to market.

Many bonanza farms were established in this period in North Dakota; a number have been preserved.

Powell, a geologist, asserted that family-owned farms that had been in use in accordance to the Homestead Act of 1862 did not quite give the land the type of help required to keep it fit.

The Frederick A. and Sophia Bagg Bonanza Farm is located in southeastern corner of North Dakota.