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Bucyrus, North Dakota
A grain elevator just outside Bucyrus
A grain elevator just outside Bucyrus
Location of Bucyrus, North Dakota
Location of Bucyrus, North Dakota
Country United States
State North Dakota
County Adams
Founded 1908
Area
 • Total 0.35 sq mi (0.91 km2)
 • Land 0.35 sq mi (0.91 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
2,782 ft (848 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 18
 • Estimate 
(2022)
15
 • Density 51.43/sq mi (19.86/km2)
Time zone UTC-7 (Mountain (MST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-6 (MDT)
ZIP code
58639
Area code(s) 701
FIPS code 38-10300
GNIS feature ID 1035945

Bucyrus is a small city located in Adams County, North Dakota, in the United States. In 2020, the city had a population of 18 people. It's a quiet place with a rich history, especially linked to the building of railroads.

History of Bucyrus

Bucyrus was started in 1907. It grew up along a major railroad line called the Pacific Extension, built by the Milwaukee Road company.

How Bucyrus Got Its Name

Before it was named Bucyrus in 1908, the city had a couple of other names. First, it was called Wolf Butte. Then, it was named Dolan, but that name was too much like another town, Doland, South Dakota. So, they needed a new name!

The name Bucyrus came from the Bucyrus Company. This company made huge steam shovels. These powerful machines were used to dig and build the railroad tracks right where the city is now.

The Cyclone Baby Story

In 1922, a strong cyclone, which is like a powerful tornado, hit Bucyrus. It destroyed the home of the Herbert and Ruth Spencer family. Sadly, three people were killed and three others were hurt.

After the storm, the family couldn't find their 13-month-old baby, Shirley. A search party looked everywhere. The next day, they found baby Shirley! She was sleeping soundly among bricks from the chimney in a wheat field. This field was about half a mile away from her home. For the rest of her life, Shirley Spencer was known as "the Cyclone Baby."

Wildfire in 2012

On October 18, 2012, a wildfire swept through the town. Strong winds helped the fire spread quickly. A large part of Bucyrus was damaged or destroyed. About 26 people had to leave their homes because of the fire.

Geography

Bucyrus is a small city in terms of its size. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city covers about 0.91 square kilometers (or 0.35 square miles). All of this area is land, with no water within the city limits.

Population Changes Over Time

The population of Bucyrus has changed quite a bit since it was founded. Here's a look at how many people have lived there over the years:

Historical population
Census Pop.
1920 113
1930 124 9.7%
1940 117 −5.6%
1950 111 −5.1%
1960 60 −45.9%
1970 42 −30.0%
1980 32 −23.8%
1990 22 −31.2%
2000 26 18.2%
2010 27 3.8%
2020 18 −33.3%
2022 (est.) 15 −44.4%
U.S. Decennial Census
2020 Census

Bucyrus in 2010

In 2010, the city had 27 people living in 11 households. Most of the people were White. The average age in Bucyrus was about 35.5 years old. Almost 30% of the residents were under 18 years old.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Bucyrus (Dakota del Norte) para niños

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