Rugby, North Dakota

Rugby was founded in 1886 at a junction on the Great Northern Railway, where a branch line to Bottineau met the main line. The railroad promoters initially platted the town as Rugby Junction, getting the name Rugby from the town of Rugby in Warwickshire, England.{{cite web|last=Wick|first=Douglas A.|title=Rugby (Pierce County)|url=http://www.webfamilytree.com/North_Dakota_Place_Names/R/rugby_%28pierce_county%29.htm | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190214002913/http://www.webfamilytree.com/North_Dakota_Place_Names/R/rugby_(pierce_county).htm | archive-date = February 14, 2019 |work=North Dakota Place Names|access-date=May 5, 2011}} It was one of several sites along the Great Northern's transcontinental route between Devils Lake and Minot that were named after places in England (the others were Berwick, Leeds, Knox, Norwich, Penn, Surrey, Churches Ferry, Tunbridge, and York). When the community became a city, the Junction was dropped from the name.

North Dakota's first permanent settlers arrived in 1812 from the Earl of Selkirk's colony in neighboring Rupert's Land.{{cite book|first=Joseph L. |last=Gavett |title=North Dakota Immigrants: Coming to America |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oVUZDK_St0sC |publisher=Wexford College Press |isbn=978-1-929148-74-5 |date=2007}}{{rp|277}} As farmers, they were more advanced than many of their contemporaries in the rest of the United States, having adopted sophisticated farming methods and machinery.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} Many of these implements, including an early McCormick Deering threshing machine, have found their way to the restored Pioneer Village in Rugby.

File:Geographical Center of North America, Rugby, ND 2022-07-19.jpg

In 1931, the town of Rugby erected a {{convert|15|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} rock obelisk marking the "Geographical Center of North America". This was moved to a slightly different location in 1971 with the expansion of US Highway 2.{{cite web|website=Atlas Obscura |title=The Geographical Center of North America |url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/geographical-center-north-america |access-date=January 5, 2021}} According to a listing by the U.S. Geological Survey, Rugby is actually approximately {{convert|15|mi|km}} from the geographic center of North America ({{convert|6|mi}} west of Balta), and even this designation carries no official status.{{Cite web|title=Geographic Centers |work=USGS Geography Products |publisher=U.S. Geological Survey |year=2001 |url=http://edc2.usgs.gov/pubslists/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.php#Distances |access-date=November 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527130434/http://edc2.usgs.gov/pubslists/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.php#Distances |archive-date=May 27, 2010}}

File:Rugby,_North_Dakota.jpg

Rugby is located in eastern Pierce County at the intersection of U.S. Route 2 and North Dakota Highway 3. The Great Northern Railroad line passes through the community. Minot lies 66 miles to the west along Route 2.Rugby, ND, 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS 1955 (1980 rev.)

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|1.94|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 14, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archive-date=January 12, 2012}} Rugby claims to be the geographic center of North America and a monument stands in the city to signify this. The monument features flags of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, modern calculations that take on account the distortions caused by cartographic projections show that center is 105 miles southwest of Rugby, in a town called Center, North Dakota.{{cite news|last1=Yin|first1=Steph|title=North America's Geographical Center May Be in a North Dakota Town Called Center |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/25/science/north-america-geographical-center-north-dakota.html|access-date=April 11, 2017|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 25, 2017}}

File:North Dakota Highway 3 at Rugby looking north.jpg in Rugby]]

Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, serves a station in Rugby via its Empire Builder, a once-daily train in each direction between Portland/Seattle and Chicago.{{cite news |last=Rubin |first=Richard |date=August 27, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/27/travel/amtrak-empire-builder-train-small-towns.html |title=4,000 Miles, 6 Small Towns: A Whistle-Stop Tour of America |work=The New York Times |access-date=August 29, 2024}} The rail station was originally built by the Great Northern Railway in 1907 and has since undergone multiple renovations.{{cite web|title=Rugby, ND (RUG) |website=The Great American Stations |url=https://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/rugby-nd-rug/ |accessdate=November 4, 2022 |publisher=Amtrak}}{{cite web|last=Sitter |first=Sue |website=The Pierce County Tribune |title=Rugby Amtrak depot undergoes remodel |date=May 7, 2022 |url=https://www.thepiercecountytribune.com/news/local-news/2022/05/07/rugby-amtrak-depot-undergoes-remodel/ |access-date=November 4, 2022}}

U.S. Route 2 and North Dakota Highway 3 serve the Rugby area.

{{US Census population

|1900= 487

|1910= 1630

|1920= 1424

|1930= 1512

|1940= 2215

|1950= 2907

|1960= 2972

|1970= 2889

|1980= 3335

|1990= 2909

|2000= 2939

|2010= 2876

|2020= 2509

|estyear=2022

|estimate=2481

|estref={{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html|date=October 17, 2023|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 17, 2023}}

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|author-link=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 7, 2013}}
2020 Census

}}

As of the census of 2010, there were 2,876 people, 1,239 households, and 697 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|1482.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 1,407 housing units at an average density of {{convert|725.3|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 91.9% White, 0.3% African American, 5.8% Native American, 0.9% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.

There were 1,239 households, of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.7% were non-families. 39.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.83.

The median age in the city was 47 years. 20% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.1% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 26.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,939 people, 1,291 households, and 765 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|1520.1|PD/sqmi|PD/sqkm}}. There were 1,434 housing units at an average density of {{convert|741.7|/sqmi}}. The racial makeup of the city was 98.09% White, 1.02% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.03% from other races, and 0.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.44% of the population.

The top six ancestry groups in the city are German (49.6%), Norwegian (40.5%), Irish (5.3%), English (4.0%), Russian (3.7%), French (3.6%).

There were 1,291 households, out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.7% were non-families. 37.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.1% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 28.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,482, and the median income for a family was $35,745. Males had a median income of $25,885 versus $18,510 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,380. About 9.6% of families and 13.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 19.1% of those age 65 or over.

• Todd "Boogie" Brandt, radio personality with The Todd and Tyler Radio Empire
• Harald Bredesen (1918–2006), Lutheran pastor{{cite news|url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/columnists/curt-eriksmoen/charismatic-leader-born-in-n-d/article_47cf4a12-1a90-11e0-a3d3-001cc4c002e0.html |title=Charismatic leader born in N.D. |newspaper=The Bismarck Tribune |date=January 9, 2011 |last=Eriksmoen |first=Curt}}
• Nichi Farnham, Maine state senator
• Reed Duchscher, talent manager, founder of Night
• Don Gaetz (born 1948), Florida politician
• Jerry Gaetz (1914–1964), North Dakota state senator and mayor of Rugby
• Samuel Kirk (1904–1996), psychologist and educator{{cite web | url = https://distributedmuseum.illinois.edu/exhibit/samuel_kirk/ | title = Samuel Kirk | website = Illinois Distributed Museum | publisher = University of Illinois Archives | access-date = January 9, 2021}}
• Jon Nelson (born 1953), member of the North Dakota House of Representatives{{cite news | url = https://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2020/10/long-time-incumbent-republicans-face-challenges-in-district-14/ | title = Long-time incumbent Republicans face challenges in District 14 | first = Jill | last = Schramm | date = October 8, 2020 | newspaper = Minot Daily News}}
• Clifford Thompson (1904–1955), one of the world's tallest men{{cite web | title = The Story of Clifford Thompson – The Tallest Wisconsinite to Ever Live | url = http://whoonew.com/2014/06/tallest-wisconsinite/ | date = June 11, 2014 | first = Ashley | last = Steinbrinck | website = WhooNew | access-date = January 9, 2021}}
• Chris Tuchscherer (born 1975), mixed martial artist
• Larry Watson (born 1947), poet, writer, and educator{{cite news | title = Rugby native's work to be featured in theaters nationwide | url = https://www.thepiercecountytribune.com/news/local-news/2020/10/31/rugby-natives-work-to-be-featured-in-theaters-nationwide/ | newspaper = The Pierce County Tribune | date = October 31, 2020 | last = Sitter | first = Sue}}{{cite news | url = https://www.grandforksherald.com/entertainment/books/6581481-Kevin-Costner-Diane-Lane-star-in-movie-based-on-UND-grad-Larry-Watson%E2%80%99s-book | title = Kevin Costner, Diane Lane star in movie based on UND grad Larry Watson's book | newspaper = Grand Forks Herald | last = Grossman | first = Mary Ann | date = July 19, 2020}}

• KZZJ AM 1450
• KKWZ FM 95.3

The city of Rugby is served by Rugby Public Schools:{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st38_nd/schooldistrict_maps/c38069_pierce/DC20SD_C38069.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Pierce County, ND|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=August 24, 2021}} Ely Elementary School{{cite web|url=http://www.elem.rugby.k12.nd.us/index.htm|title=Ely Elementary School|website=rugby.k12.nd.us|access-date=January 16, 2019}} and Rugby High School. Little Flower Catholic School{{cite web|url=http://www.little-flower.k12.nd.us/|title=Little Flower Catholic School - "To teach as Jesus did" - Little Flower Catholic School|website=little-flower.k12.nd.us|access-date=January 16, 2019}} is also in Rugby.

File:Pierce_County_Courthouse_ND_2008.jpg]]

• Geographical center of North America – Rugby is located in the geographical center of North America. There is a cairn marking this spot. Note: The validity of this claim is disputed by a mathematical analysis.
• Prairie Village Museum houses some of Pierce County's oldest historical buildings and artifacts including the 1886 Great Northern Railroad Depot.
• The Victorian Dress Museum – The building that houses the museum is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Pierce County Courthouse - dating from 1908, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Rugby has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=407723&cityname=Rugby,+North+Dakota,+United+States+of+America&units=|title=Rugby, North Dakota Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)|website=Weatherbase|access-date=January 16, 2019}}

{{Weather box

|location = Rugby, North Dakota (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1904–present)

|single line = Y

|Jan record high F = 57

|Feb record high F = 62

|Mar record high F = 74

|Apr record high F = 96

|May record high F = 100

|Jun record high F = 104

|Jul record high F = 107

|Aug record high F = 105

|Sep record high F = 99

|Oct record high F = 92

|Nov record high F = 75

|Dec record high F = 56

|year record high F = 107

|Jan high F = 15.9

|Feb high F = 20.7

|Mar high F = 33.8

|Apr high F = 52.0

|May high F = 66.1

|Jun high F = 74.8

|Jul high F = 79.9

|Aug high F = 79.7

|Sep high F = 69.8

|Oct high F = 53.6

|Nov high F = 34.8

|Dec high F = 21.3

|year high F = 50.2

|Jan mean F = 6.0

|Feb mean F = 10.6

|Mar mean F = 23.7

|Apr mean F = 40.0

|May mean F = 53.2

|Jun mean F = 62.9

|Jul mean F = 67.5

|Aug mean F = 66.3

|Sep mean F = 56.7

|Oct mean F = 41.9

|Nov mean F = 25.3

|Dec mean F = 11.9

|year mean F = 38.8

|Jan low F = −3.9

|Feb low F = 0.4

|Mar low F = 13.6

|Apr low F = 27.9

|May low F = 40.3

|Jun low F = 51.0

|Jul low F = 55.1

|Aug low F = 53.0

|Sep low F = 43.5

|Oct low F = 30.2

|Nov low F = 15.8

|Dec low F = 2.6

|year low F = 27.5

|Jan record low F = −45

|Feb record low F = −47

|Mar record low F = −40

|Apr record low F = −8

|May record low F = 14

|Jun record low F = 30

|Jul record low F = 37

|Aug record low F = 30

|Sep record low F = 20

|Oct record low F = −6

|Nov record low F = −27

|Dec record low F = −40

|year record low F = −47

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 0.49

|Feb precipitation inch = 0.54

|Mar precipitation inch = 0.90

|Apr precipitation inch = 1.31

|May precipitation inch = 3.01

|Jun precipitation inch = 3.83

|Jul precipitation inch = 3.68

|Aug precipitation inch = 2.15

|Sep precipitation inch = 1.75

|Oct precipitation inch = 1.41

|Nov precipitation inch = 0.92

|Dec precipitation inch = 0.99

|year precipitation inch = 20.98

|Jan snow inch = 8.0

|Feb snow inch = 6.4

|Mar snow inch = 6.5

|Apr snow inch = 2.9

|May snow inch = 0.9

|Jun snow inch = 0.0

|Jul snow inch = 0.0

|Aug snow inch = 0.0

|Sep snow inch = 0.0

|Oct snow inch = 3.3

|Nov snow inch = 7.4

|Dec snow inch = 8.0

|year snow inch = 43.4

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

|Jan precipitation days = 3.9

|Feb precipitation days = 3.8

|Mar precipitation days = 3.1

|Apr precipitation days = 5.1

|May precipitation days = 9.9

|Jun precipitation days = 11.9

|Jul precipitation days = 10.4

|Aug precipitation days = 8.0

|Sep precipitation days = 7.5

|Oct precipitation days = 5.6

|Nov precipitation days = 3.3

|Dec precipitation days = 3.5

|year precipitation days = 76.0

|unit snow days = 0.1 in

|Jan snow days = 4.9

|Feb snow days = 4.8

|Mar snow days = 3.3

|Apr snow days = 1.0

|May snow days = 0.4

|Jun snow days = 0.0

|Jul snow days = 0.0

|Aug snow days = 0.0

|Sep snow days = 0.0

|Oct snow days = 1.2

|Nov snow days = 3.3

|Dec snow days = 5.6

|year snow days = 24.5

|source 1 = NOAA{{cite web

| url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=bis

| title = NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data

| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| access-date = September 18, 2021}}

{{cite web

| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00327704&format=pdf

| title = Station: Rugby, ND

| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020)

| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| access-date = September 18, 2021}}

}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

{{wikivoyage|Rugby (North Dakota)}}

• [https://www.cityofrugbynd.com/ City of Rugby official website]
• [http://www.confluence.org/confluence.php?visitid=11375 Cairn marking Center of North America]
• [http://www.thepiercecountytribune.com/ The Pierce County Tribune]
• [http://www.dakotasearch.com/nd-attractions/rugby/ Rugby, ND Article at Dakota Search]

{{Pierce County, North Dakota}}

{{North Dakota}}

{{North Dakota county seats}}

{{Authority control}}

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Category:Cities in Pierce County, North Dakota

Category:Cities in North Dakota

Category:County seats in North Dakota

Category:Populated places established in 1886

Category:1886 establishments in Dakota Territory

Category:Geographical centres