The small city and township of Ayr is in Cass County, North Dakota, and bordered by Rich, Erie, Empire, Buffalo, Tower, Cornell, and Lake townships. Settled in 1879, and founded in 1883, the settlement was first named Elgin but, since another municipality in the Dakota Territory had already claimed that name, it was renamed Ayr, for Ayr, Scotland, the home of its chief proprietor and many of its early settlers. The founding of the township and city was largely organized and brought about by a large ranch business known as The Park Farm, which donated the land along the railroad track for the townsite of Ayr, and platted its railway station. Ayr was incorporated as a village in 1925, later becoming a city. Its economy dependent almost entirely on agriculture, the decline of the family farm, in general, has brought about a sharp decline in the population of Ayr, as in many other North Dakota communities.
 
 
Recommended Resources
Ayr is a small city and township in Cass County, northwest of Absaraka. A history of the town includes its businesses, schools, churches, organizations, and events, as well as biographical sketches of early homesteaders and settlers. Recollections and stories from several early settlers and their families are included.
http://www.ayrnorthdakota.com/
Tamera Pueppke, of Ayr, North Dakota, specializes in senior portraits, and in the photographing of children, families, and groups, either on location or in the studio. Her qualifications, services, and a gallery of photographs are featured.
http://www.littleredbarnphotography.com/
The family operated dealership is located in Ayr, North Dakota, and features a line of motorhomes, garage coaches, equine motorhomes, and recreational vehicles. Its models and available units are highlighted, along with finance policies, location, and hours of operation.
http://www.swancreekinc.com/