It was not organized at that time, nor was it attached to another county for administrative or judicial purposes.

It was named for Alexander Griggs, a steamboat captain who is credited with founding Grand Forks.

The county terrain consists of low rolling hills, dotted with lakes and ponds across its central part, mostly devoted to agriculture.

[7] The terrain slopes to the south and east; its highest point is a hill at its NW corner, at 1,562' (476m) ASL.

In terms of ancestry, 60.8% were Norwegian, 36.7% were German, 5.9% were English, 5.6% were Swedish, and 1.2% were American.

In only one national election since 1964 has the county selected the Democratic Party candidate.