STATE HYMN. The words for the “North Dakota Hymn” were written by James W. Foley in 1926. Dr. C.S. Putnam from the North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU) put the words to music. The “North Dakota Hymn” was first performed in the Bismarck City Auditorium in 1927. It became the state song of North Dakota 20 years later in 1947.
“North Dakota Hymn”
James W. Foley
North Dakota, North Dakota,
With thy prairies wide and free,
All thy sons and daughters love thee,
Fairest state from sea to sea;
North Dakota, North Dakota,
Here we pledge ourselves to thee.
North Dakota, North Dakota,
Here we pledge ourselves to thee.