Located in the heart of North Dakota, Golva is a small town that has witnessed a variety of historical events throughout its existence. From agricultural developments to natural disasters, Golva and its surrounding areas have played a role in shaping the state's history. Here are seven significant historical events that have taken place near Golva, North Dakota.

1. Homesteading in the late 1800s:
During the late 1800s, Golva and the surrounding region witnessed a significant influx of settlers who sought to take advantage of the Homestead Act of 1862. Offering 160 acres of free land to those who worked on and improved it, the act attracted many people to the area, leading to the establishment of sustainable farming communities.

2. The Great Dakota Boom, 1910-1920:
Shortly after the turn of the 20th century, North Dakota experienced an economic boom brought on by the discovery of vast oil reserves within the region, particularly near Williston. While Golva did not directly benefit from the oil bonanza, it experienced an increase in population and economic activity due to its proximity to the oil fields.

3. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s:
Golva, like many other areas in the Midwest, was severely affected by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Prolonged drought, combined with poor farming practices, led to massive soil erosion and dust storms that devastated agriculture. Many families were forced to abandon their farms and seek opportunities elsewhere.

4. Construction of Fort Peck Dam, 1933-1940:
In proximity to Golva, the construction of the Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River created employment opportunities for local residents during the Great Depression. The dam, one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world, provided hydroelectric power, flood control, and irrigation to the region, boosting the economy and agricultural development.

5. World War II and the Golva Air Base:
During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces established the Golva Air Base near the town. Built in 1943 as a satellite training base for heavy bombers, such as the B-17 Flying Fortress, the airfield helped train numerous pilots and aircrews for combat overseas. The airfield was decommissioned after the war and is no longer in use today.

6. Fargo-Moorhead Tornado Outbreak, 1957:
On June 20, 1957, a catastrophic tornado outbreak struck North Dakota, including areas near Golva. The Fargo-Moorhead area suffered the most significant damage, with multiple tornadoes causing widespread destruction. Over 100 people lost their lives, and thousands were left homeless. This event remains one of the worst tornado outbreaks in North Dakota history.

7. Growth of wind energy in the 21st century:
In recent years, Golva and the surrounding region have become sites for the development of wind energy projects. Due to the area's relatively high wind speeds and open landscapes, wind farms have been installed to generate clean and renewable energy. These projects have brought employment opportunities, increased tax revenue, and contributed to the mitigation of climate change.

Golva, North Dakota, may be a small town, but it has a rich history marked by significant historical events. From agricultural challenges to economic booms and environmental resilience, Golva continues to play a part in shaping the narrative of North Dakota's heritage.