Ancient coffins with human remains uncovered near North Dakota governor's mansion

While contractors were installing security improvements at the governor's residence in Bismarck, archaeologists discovered seven ancient coffins and an empty wooden box. The coffins held the remains of two women, two men, two teenage boys and a toddler, all dating back to the period when the site served as Bismarck's first cemetery between 1873 and 1877. Many burials from that era were later moved to St. Mary’s and Fairview cemeteries in the 1880s, but these six individuals appear to have been missed.

Over 80 areas of interest were flagged during the excavation, which concluded on September 14. Officials are working with a local funeral home to handle the remains before they are reburied at another cemetery, and the research team expects to complete its analysis early next year.