Williston, North Dakota.
“If it weren’t for the Bakken, we’d be walkin’.”
A few weeks ago, I was in Minneapolis for a few meetings and asked my favorite college professor if we could go out for dinner. He said he would buy me dinner if I would speak in his night class about my journey to Williston and experience thereafter. Always up for a free meal, I agreed.
I got to thinking about this strange “small” town I live in, and found surprising joy reflecting on the last 3 years of my life in Western North Dakota.
When I first decided to move here (in short because my cousin offered me a furnished basement to live in, and I was looking to pay off my college debt quickly), I was almost ashamed to admit to my hipster Minnesota friends that I was moving to North Dakota. (In fact, I’m pretty sure I told a lot of people I was moving to Montana because that’s about 25 short miles shy of the truth, and it sounds a lot more mountainous and cool.)
I used to joke that when Lewis & Clark were unveiling the Midwest, they remarked upon the beauty of the Minnesota lakes and trees and marveled at the big sky and mountains of Montana, and figured they needed to put a name to the large piece of nothing in between them – hence: North Dakota.
A week before I left Minnesota, my friend Allie saw a segment on the Today Show about Williston. The caption read “the scum of the earth are all moving to Williston, North Dakota.” After telling her a sarcastic “thanks,” I paused and wondered if it might be true. What if I’m moving to a town full of criminals and roughnecks? I had heard from a few sources that the ratio of men to women was as vast as 75:1. After some thought I stocked up on mace and heavy unattractive sweaters and decided to stick with my decision.
I packed up my little green car and left behind the bright lights and skyline of Minneapolis for the plains and rigs of the Bakken. For the ten hour drive I was nervously tapping my knee, wondering what in the world I had gotten myself into. The only person I knew was my cousin (who is 24 years older than I am – and 24 years cooler) and I would soon learn my T-Mobile phone only got reception in the parking lot of the train station.
I moved to town without a job (which is the case for most of us immigrants), and spent the first few weeks trying to find a good fit. After a desk job with an oil company fell through, I got a job making pies at a small marina 25 miles out of town. It wasn’t the most glamorous job, and at the end of the day I wasn’t making much more money than I had been making in the city. But the few months of experience I had at that little cafe landed me my first big break.
I was looking for a job somewhere in town, but finding the “right” one wasn’t as easy as it sounds. A friend told me a new fine dining restaurant had opened up in town and was incredibly shorthanded. I had never eaten in a fine dining restaurant before (except for Olive Garden one time in high school, if that counts), but I thought it was worth a shot. I walked in for the interview which consisted of 3 questions:
1. Do you have restaurant experience?
2. Do you have black clothes?
3. Can you be back in an hour?
That night was one of the most horrifying nights of my life. I didn’t know anything about seafood, steaks, wine, liquor, cheese, or dining etiquette. I lied my way through the specials (most of which I had to write phonetically and hope the customer knew what word I was saying) and held back tears when a table asked me what kind of “bourbon” we carried. (What is bourbon? Is that a liquid or a solid?). I broke the cork on a $90 bottle of wine and was spared by a kind gentleman from Texas who said he liked an “oaky” taste in his wine.
I miraculously walked out of there with $275, realizing I had never owned a hundred dollar bill before.
Working every night made it hard to make friends, but I was blessed to be working alongside all kinds of immigrants. In fact, only one of my co-workers had actually been in Williston for more than a year. We were all newbies, trying to get a fresh lease on life. Even if we didn’t have a lot in common, we found solidarity in writing our life stories in a boomtown.
My first year here I’d walk through the parking lot of Walmart and count a dozen different state license plates, wondering if there was anywhere else in the world quite like Williston. Even though it was chaotic and crowded, I was beginning to sense there was something special about this place – and it wasn’t just about the money. Maybe the critics were only telling half of the story.
Yes, our crime rates are up – so is our population. My sister Laura (another fellow immigrant) works as a police dispatcher here in town and swears it’s not that bad – and she ought to know! Yes, our strip clubs are packed. But so are our restaurants. And churches. And grocery stores.
Yes, people live in their cars. But you know what – they’re living in their cars to earn a paycheck, not a government check. That has to tell you something about these people! In a society that is growing more and more entitled, how refreshing it is to be around people who aren’t afraid to work for their money! It’s a character trait that couples well with integrity and ingenuity. Williston is a breeding ground for small businesses – I’m in the process of opening one with my sisters! (More to come on that).
Yes, we have the lowest unemployment rate in the country. Yes, our median income is $70,000/year. But we don’t get paid just to show up. I picked up a bartending shift last night and got home at 2am, having not sat down in 10 hours. I’m fortunate to have a job indoors, most of those in the oil patch aren’t so lucky. People here work, and they work hard.
I had coffee with my best friend from high school last week. She just got back from doing the Peace Corps in China and is trying to adjust back to life in Minneapolis. She noted her greatest struggle is making quality friends. It seems in the time she was gone everyone solidified their group of friends and no one is really looking to expand. 25 is not an easy time to make new friends.
The culture in Williston couldn’t be more different. We all know what it’s like to be on the outside. We’ve left family, friends, and communities hundreds of miles away to move here. Our lack of entertainment options magnifies our need for authentic connection with others. My roommates are from Alaska, Montana, and New York. In a lot of ways we are different, but we’re building a friendship on what we share. And it’s real.
Williston is a place of second chances and good people. As an employee of the school district, I watch teachers desperately try to meet the needs of the dozens (if not hundreds) of new students flowing into their classrooms. The churches and non-profits are finding ways to meet the unique needs of this community. The people are willing to lend a hand to help newcomers get a good start.
Because of the Bakken (and Jesus), I was able to pay off $35,000 in college debt in 2.5 years – reaching the finish line the night before my 25th birthday this summer. I took a month off of work to spend back in Minnesota, reflecting on where I’m headed next. About two weeks in, I was ready to get back to Williston. I missed my friends and my job. My house and my church. Even the hustle & bustle of the trucks and traffic.
I stumbled upon a truth I never thought would be mine: this place has truly become home.
Reading Rachel 
Enjoyed reading your story — we have been here for about 34 years — came from Illinois. My husband works in the oil field and is now a partner in business with his friend. I worked 22 years for the school district. When we first moved here it was culture shock — but now it’s home 🙂
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GOOD REPORT! I have lived here all my life and it is great to hear good reports
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So nice to hear some positive stories! It’s tough to only hear the bad stuff… and usually from people who haven’t put in the time or effort to find the good. I am glad work in the Bakken put away your school debt and that you were able to make a home here. Sounds like you are good fit for our community!
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So true, people living in their cars to earn a paycheck, not a government check. So nice to hear a positive story about Williston. It is giving so many good jobs to Americans.
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Rachel, your wisdom exceeds your years. I have lived in North Dakota for 35 years, the last 27 in Williston, and am glad to see someone who appreciates what they have, rather than grumbling about every inconvenience they encounter in life. Every place is what you make of it, not just what you take from it. Best wishes from the FRACN8R.
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I miss Williston. I have some of the greatest friends on earth in Williston. I was there 26 years, and don’t regret one second!! Hope to get back next summer to see my friends and Son Brian. It is good to see someone talk about Williston as I knew it. This article should be forwarded to the Williston Herald and Bismarck Tribune.
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I love this!!!! Finally, a posture, well written post that speaks the truth about Williston! I moved here in 2010 from Austin, TX, straight out of school with an engineering degree to work for Schlumberger as a frac field engineer. Talk about culture shock! I met my now husband at work and we now have a house and a nice little life in Williston 🙂 always looking for more community though, I would love to know more about the church you’re involved in, shoot me an email if you don’t mind!
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Rachel,
How exciting to read your positive review of Williston. I am truly blessed to know you and share good times. My husband and I moved here in 1971 for him to start the eye clinic. We both grew up in PA and now that he’s retired we’re here by choice. Don’t know where else we would move. The people of Williston are the greatest.
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America, land of opportunity 🙂
You might me missing your calling, Become a writer!
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What a great story Rachel. I have lived my life in Williston. I was much younger when the oil boom of the 80’s went bust. I have managed to keep a good job and make new friends. As you get older you meet new friends or keep old friends according to where you are in life. I am still here and have lots of friends in each category. Williston is a great place!
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Well said my dear. We have been fortunate to cross paths with you at the restaurant. Thank you for sharing the positives associated with an economic boom. Opportunities abound for those who care to find them. Williston is blessed to have you as a resident. 🙂
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Thank you! Great writing, great article!
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What a great story! My husband works up in Williston in the Oilfield while me and our daughters live here in Phoenix! I have visited once so far and loved it! We want to move there, but the unreal rental prices keep us from doing so….therefore, keeping 30+ driving hours between my hubby and me and our kids. So me and my girls will likely relocate to either Minot or Billings so we can be closer t him, but if I had the choice….I would be in that quaint town of Williston, ND ❤
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I second the comment that you have a gift for writing; this was a perceptive, heart felt look at your new home. I do, however, appreciate your frequent visits back to your old home in Minnesota as a father always loves a visit from a daughter!!
Love, Dad
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We have a place on Lake Sakakawea and we divide or time between Ohio and North Dakota. We are from the Watford City area and moving back and forth like we do it’s almost like living in two different worlds. We like both places and we have friends in both places; but if you scratch us a little bit you find NW ND.
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Nice story. I’m sure lots of people living in the Bakken have a positive story to share, too. A city can neither be all bad or all good, after all. But it seems like you have written off a whole population as lazy because they receive government assistance. And that is downright unfeeling, and unfortunately, a common attitude among Christians these days.
“Yes, people live in their cars. But you know what – they’re living in their cars to earn a paycheck, not a government check. That has to tell you something about these people! In a society that is growing more and more entitled, how refreshing it is to be around people who aren’t afraid to work for their money! It’s a character trait that couples well with integrity and ingenuity.”
Even if someone is lazy, do we condemn them or do we encourage and teach them? People are not just born with integrity and ingenuity and motivation and proper support systems. Walking with Jesus means walking with people. Who is willing? Sometimes we must confess our own laziness and put aside our snobbish attitudes to do the work of Christ…
–A ND homeless shelter worker
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I go back a long ways but still then Williston was a great place. My cousin Chet Schneider was the Great Northern Railroad Roadmaster for Williston in the 1950’s and 1060’s when they had the FIRST oil boom.
Your comments as a “newcomer” are refreshing and encouraging for all North Dakotans who still feel, despite their accomplishments and contribution to the nation’s wealth, NEGLECTED and under appreciated.
Dan Bieri – born Minot, North Dakota 1939. Lived in Blaisdell, ND 1939 – 1949. Currently from Sydney, Australia
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Just a little history/ geography lesson for the good people of Minnesota,Lewis and Clark never went near your state. As you said,we don’t have much,please don’t steal the journey of discovery from us,we are very proud of it.
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Well said. As someone who grew up in ND, then spent 10 years in Madagascar, I found this phrase hit me the most:
“Our lack of entertainment options magnifies our need for authentic connection with others. ”
This is true anywhere and an aspect about being back in the US that is hardest. We’ve adjusted and found a close community through our church. In the end, home on this side of heaven is not a place, but a community of close relationships. Glad you found them in Williston!
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I am going to find out about some of that when I join my SO in a few months in Watford City. I do have two sons in Bismarck. Not the same, but I will be happy to be closer to them for a change.
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Excellent article. Keep it up. As for the people not liking your living in the car comments, I think the point is there is lots of money and opportunity to be made in the Bakken, but the people who are taking advantage of it work very hard. If you aren’t willing to work hard this is a harsh land. Don’t bother coming. I also loved your comments about relationships. This is the most in depth article I’ve seen on the Bakken yet and reflects what many people have told me.
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Great article!! And it is so refreshing to see positive comments about North Dakota and the oil industry. I am a native North Dakotan. I lived in Wiliston from 1976 to 1996 and now live in Minot. I’ve worked in the oil industry and out of the oil industry and am now back in it for the past four years. If there were any advice I’d give someone thinking about moving here, it would be to do their homework. Look for living arrangements ahead of time, and expect to work in one of the harshest environments on the planet. But in the end, they’ll be rewarded.
That advice is no different though than one would have gotten back in the days our state was settled. Today’s living in a car is really the same as yesterday’s living in a sod hut. The weather extremes are the same. And while maybe more technologically advanced, the work is equally as brutal today as it was back then.
But those who stick it out quickly find that North Dakota becomes a part of their soul and no matter where their life takes them, the lessons learned here and the part of the soul that was instilled here remains with them forever.
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awesome reading, I am from Estevan, Saskatchewan otherwise know as the Canadian version of Williston, North Dakota, although it has slowed down a lot compared to the last few years. 🙂
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It’s really sad to hear about your friend being locked out of finding friends at the young age of 25… but I do hear that about Minneapolis often. I think it’s a midwest thing, they seem very stoic and closed off to new people. I think that is a Scandinavian thing. After growing up in Minnesota and going to college there I left to the south and Cali. Whenever I come back to visit Minneapolis I’m stunned by how closed off people are… it’s like they are in shock that a stranger would have a conversation with them, and this happens in bars. Hmm I never realized how sarcastic the statement Minnesota nice was. Polite maybe, nice, not compared to most other places.
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I didn’t read anything that disparaged anyone who needs assistance taking it. Rachel is correct in stating there are many citizens who are fully capable of working that simply don’t because they have learned how to use the system to avoid it. As a service-connected disabled veteran of the U.S. Army, I have been told the disability I receive is “welfare” or “an entitlement” so I know a thing or two about the issue. Trust me, I earned everything I get. That said, I would welcome the opportunity to not be hindered by the injuries I sustained on active duty and able to take advantage of the opportunities that exist in the Bakken. Additionally, I would say to you Rachel, (as an award winning writer and photographer) you may want to consider interviewing the more interesting and colorful characters you meet and compile their stories into a book on the Bakken. You possess the talent and are in a unique position to take advantage of the opportunity. (Just make sure to get a written release from those whose stories you use if you take this advice.) Good luck in all your endevors.
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Link below is from a blog on ‘Jesus…’
Jesus to the religious leaders of Israel: You know how to read {the signs of daily weather} but you do not know how to read the signs of the times.–Matthew 16:1-4
I heard Rowan Williams, head of the worldwide Anglican church at the time, say in 2009 at the Lutheran Cathedral in Copenhagen that God would not save humanity from its own stupidity.
Recent studies show that current animal extinction rates from anthropogenic climate disruption {due to the burning of oil, coal, natural gas} now rival the extinction that annihilated the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Once again, this month’s survey of the planet shows how climate disruption is continuing to intensify.
“The supreme reality of our time is … the vulnerability of our planet.”
– John F. Kennedy
More: http://truth-out.org/…/27869-extinction-rate-rivals-that-of…
“The most profound danger to world peace in the coming years will stem not from the irrational acts of states or individuals, but from the legitimate demands of the world’s dispossessed. Of these poor and disenfranchised, the majority live a marginal existence in equatorial climates. Global warming, not of their making but originating with the wealthy few, will affect their ecologies most. Their situation will be desperate and manifestly unjust and cannot await the beneficence of the rich. It is time to turn our backs on the unilateral search for security, in which we seek to shelter behind walls. Instead, we must persist in the quest for united action to counter both global warming and a weaponized world. These twin goals will constitute vital components of stability as we move toward the wider degree of social justice that alone gives hope of peace….”-Statement by 100 Nobel Laureates at the Nobel Prize Centennial in 2001
AT THE CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE IN COPENHAGEN IN 2009, STATUARY IN THE HARBOR:
“Survival of the Fittest. With a pair of scales in her hand, a huge fat Justica figure {representing the U.S. and the rest of the world who lives like US} is on the back of a starved African man {droughts that used to come every 12 to 15 year now come every couple of years in the Sahel to East Africa}. Set up close to the innocent Little Mermaid, she’s confronting the real world’s deficient sense of justice with the world’s hypocritical self-righteousness. “I’m sitting on the back of a man–he’s sinking under the burden. I will do everything to help him {in terms of charity}–except to step down from his back.” {U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are 50x Africa’s per capita [3.5x China, 10x India, 2x Europe-with high speed trains, bicycles and a comparable or higher standard of living than US].}
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That was a very interesting report about Williston. I have a grandson and his wife in Williston and they do have good jobs. They have only been there a couple months. They had lived in Bismarck and they seem to like Williston.
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Outstanding comments re Bakken and Williston!
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I am from eastern Montana, lived just a few miles from Williston. The thing that made me so angry was the people who are from there , that owned apartment buildings and rentals. jacked the prices up so high that the folks who had lived in their apt. had to move out of town. they paid their rents and managed life with only thier SS check to live on. and they were the elderly and dissabled. That is what I hated about the boom. We lived in the patch for 39 years and moved to many different states because when your in the patch you moved from boom to boom. our motto was, catch you in the next boom town, and you would see the same folks at each move. It was the same every where we went. Greed….People say those ollworkers make lots of money, they can afford it. but they forget about the locals who live on minimum wage or SS. That is what i hated about the Patch…Also, those oilworkers had to pay rent and eat where they worked and send money home to the family to survive.
the last thing I want to say, I AM OIL FIELD TRASH AND PROUD OF IT..
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Thank you for your honesty and insight. Congratulations on paying off your college loans – An amazing accomplishment! Your statement regarding yes people are living in cars but they are doing it to earn a paycheck and not earn government support really hit home. What a great perspective. I wish you the best of luck on your journey and Williston is lucky to have you as long as you decide to stay.
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Thanks every one for the different opinion about Williston.
I have just graduated with a petroleum engineering degree from college last three months and I have looking forward in moving down to Williston in search for an entry level Engineer Graduate job.I have also made reasonable arrangement for my accommodation and from the experience you all have acquired over there in williston will it be a good move on my part moving over there in search of an oil job.your opinions are highly welcomed.
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Rachel
What a great read, glad to have met you at the Bakken Club. Chelsea made me aware of this, hope to see more! What a talent!
David
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I was born and raised in Williston got married and moved away but always call it my home. Still have family and friends living there so get to visit, more now that I’m retired. Your story was what I needed to hear as my heart just fell every time I read and say articles that degraded Williston. Its a wonderful place to be from and to go home to.
Thank you Rachel for your article this is what people need to hear not the negative Thanks again
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I live at new town, nd. a stone’s throw from williston. I seen many people come thru here from all over, looking for the pot of gold. The locals here are friendly and we all have given gas money or a bought a beer for strangers. We do this because we know how it is to struggle to make a living.
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