Assumption Abbey in Richardton, North Dakota, stands atop the Russian Ridge, a geographic feature running dozens of miles east to west dividing the Heart River basin in the south from the Knife River basin in the north. This view shows the church, the monastery, the remaining school buildings, and the ranch buildings. The lake, rejoicing in the uninspired name of The Abbey Dam is an attractive feature of our land, and reflects the monk's unity with the land.