Fargo North Dakota History

Present day Fargo once lay 200 feet below the surface of Lake Agassiz during the Ice Age. The waters eventually receded leaving behind fertile farmland in the Red River Valley, but settlement was slow. Early pioneers braved extreme weather and isolation to form their new community. Under the Homestead Act, the settlers were given 160 acres in exchange for living on the land and farming it for at least five years. Initially the area was called Centralia, but the name was later changed to Fargo in honor of William Fargo, founder of the Wells Fargo Express Company. When the railroad came to town Fargo became America’s newest frontier. Refugees seeking to own a piece of the American dream called Fargo their “Garden of Eden.” In 1890, The North Dakota State Agricultural College was founded. Today, it is known as North Dakota State University and it is one of the most respected colleges in the Midwest. A tragic fire destroyed much of Fargo in 1893, but the pioneer spirit prevailed and the area was quickly rebuilt. Charles Lindbergh flew the Spirit of St. Louis into Fargo three months after his historic flight across the Atlantic in 1927.

During WWII, Fargo began to grow and steady growth has continued. Interstate Highways I-29 and I-94, Amtrak rail service and Hector International Airport make Fargo easily accessible for travelers. Today, Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota and the county seat of Cass County. Low unemployment, low crime and affordable housing contribute to Fargo’s progress and economic stability. Fargo boasts ranking near the top the annual list of America’s most livable cities in Money magazine.