Towns / Cities
All Information from the Book "North Dakota Place Names" by Douglas A Wick

Johnstown

This rural settlement was called Milan, but when the post office was established December 13, 1880 with John Ryan Barker Postmaster, it was renamed Johnstown. Some say it was named for the postmaster, while others say it was named for townsite owner Isaac N. Johnson. Both men claimed the honor during their own lifetimes. A third theory exists stating that the name honors the three members of the first township board, the postmaster, John Gabb, and John Sparks. It was located in NE 1/4 Section 20-154-53 Johnstown Township, until 1887 when it moved one-half mile east to the new Northern Pacific Rail Road townsite in NW 1/4 Section 21-154-53. The population has remained at about 50 since its founding. On January 3, 1964 the post office, Zip Code 58245 became a rural branch of Gilby.

This rural settlement in NE 1/4 Section 20-154-53, Johnstown Township, was first called Milan for Milan, Pennsylvania, the hometown of pioneer settler John Ryan Barker, and Likely named for the great city in Italy. The name was also given to the township when it first organized. When the post office was established December 13, 1880 with Mr. Barker as postmaster, the name was changed to Johnstown.

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Johnstown Cemetery

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Personal and Community Stories about this Area