Historic US highway endpoint in Pembina, ND

1927-1960s
The north end of US 81 has always been in Pembina, and US 59 ended there for several years as well:
Picture
c. 1939, Rand McNally
However, before I-29 was built, there was an older port of entry that marked the terminus for about 30 years.  This photo is looking west along Stutsman Street:
Picture
Morrison, May 2007
Northbound US 81 traffic came in from the left on Beaupre Street, then turned and continued ahead.  Behind the camera is the Red River of the North, as well as the location of an historic bridge.  Originally US 59 traffic came in from Minnesota, crossed the river behind the camera, and reached this intersection.  It is possible that US 59 ended here, where it junctioned with US 81.  But it seems more likely that US 59 would have continued ahead, co-signed with US 81.  The bridge visible in the background spans the Pembina River.  The third block past that is 3rd Street -- US 81 traffic was directed right (north) there, and continued another three miles or so to the original Pembina border crossing.
North from Pembina, Jeff reports the old highway is in pretty bad shape.  It is no longer maintained; it has been obsolete ever since I-29 opened to traffic.  This photo was taken looking north on the old highway, approaching the Canada line:
Picture
Morrison, May 2007
The border is not far ahead - that is where US 81 originally ended (and most likely US 59 as well).  It was probably during the mid-1950s when US 59 traffic was redirected along its current route north of Lancaster MN.  US 81 still ends at the Port of Pembina, but that is now located a bit west of the original crossing pictured above.
Research and/or photo credits: Jeff Morrison; Dale Sanderson
Page originally created 2007;
last updated Mar. 25, 2016.