Sykeston, North Dakota
This Northern Pacific Railroad townsite was the namesake of promoter Richard Sykes, a wealthy Englishman who founded several towns in the state. Sykeston dates from 1883, although an 1882 map by Wells & Dudley shows "Sykes" at this site in Sec 13-146-69, Sykeston Township. For several years it was the terminus of the NPRR, and was the county seat until 1894. The post office was established October 11, 1883 with Harry L. Durbrow, Postmaster. The village incorporated in 1905, and it became a city in 1925 with O.J. Lunby (1885-1950) as mayor.
The elevation is 1653. the Zip Code is 58486, and a peak population of 367 was reached in 1920. Sykeston was the first settlement in Wells County, and Lake Hiawatha, created here in 1889, is considered to be the first artificial lake in North Dakota.
