The first non-Indians who came to North Dakota were fur trappers and traders from Canada and Europe. Later, Euro-Americans arrived in the area.
In 1800, Alexander Henry was hired by a French fur trading company to set up trading posts along the Red River. In 1801, he established a trading post at Pembina. This site became the first permanent non-Indian settlement in North Dakota.
In addition to his fur trading activities, Alexander Henry planted a garden. He raised cabbage, carrots, onions, turnips, beets, and other vegetables. Alexander Henry was the first non-Indian we know of who practiced agriculture in North Dakota.