Which historical event marked the beginning of European settlement in North Dakota?

The signing of the Louisiana Purchase is significant as it marked a pivotal moment in American history that directly led to European settlement in North Dakota. Acquired from France in 1803, the Louisiana Territory included vast lands that encompassed present-day North Dakota. This acquisition more than doubled the size of the United States and opened up new opportunities for exploration and settlement.

Following the purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which took place from 1804 to 1806, further promoted European interest in this region, as it mapped the territory and established vital relationships with Native American tribes. Although the establishment of Fort Union later played a crucial role in trade and settlement during the 19th century, it was the Louisiana Purchase that fundamentally enabled these developments.

The founding of Jamestown, while historically important, pertains to early colonial efforts in Virginia, well before the exploration and settlement of the northern Great Plains. Thus, the signing of the Louisiana Purchase serves as the essential catalyst for subsequent European settlement in North Dakota.