North Dakota GoldNorth Dakota has officially been a state since November 2nd, 1889. Speaking of North Dakota, did you know the word "Dakota" is a Sioux Indian word for "friend"? Despite joining the United States back on November 2nd, 1889, some of our cities in North Dakota are actually older. There is certainly plenty of debate when it comes to the oldest cities in North Dakota. Google Maps Screenshot Google Maps Screenshot7.