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History of Fargo, North Dakota, USA
Journey back in time to Fargo, North Dakota, USA
Explore Fargo, North Dakota, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Fargo Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Fargo was founded in 1871, only six years after the Civil War ended, but for decades before that it was a (very small) stop on the Red River Cart trail that went from St Cloud MN to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Most carts went further north of Fargo, where the river was wider and deeper and steamboats could go. Fargo was first called Centralia, but the name was changed to Fargo, after the director of the Wells Fargo Express company.
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NORTH DAKOTA HERITAGE - "My Ancestors Came From North Dakota!" Ceramic Mug
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Discover Fargo: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1887 - Fire in Fargo.
FARGO, Dak., Dec. 23. - Fire broke out at about 4 o'clock this morning in the block fronting on Northern Pacific avenue between Broadway and Fifth street. Doyle's livery stable, Holden's saloon, Stewart's saloon, Hunter's restaurant and Cole's unoccupied building, were totally consumed. Total loss, $35,000; insurance, $24,000. The upper rooms of the same buildings were occupied as sleeping rooms. Stanford's seed store on the west was saved, but the stock was injured by water. The fire was incendiary in its origin.
Duluth Daily News
Duluth, Minnesota
December 24, 1887
FARGO, Dak., Dec. 23. - Fire broke out at about 4 o'clock this morning in the block fronting on Northern Pacific avenue between Broadway and Fifth street. Doyle's livery stable, Holden's saloon, Stewart's saloon, Hunter's restaurant and Cole's unoccupied building, were totally consumed. Total loss, $35,000; insurance, $24,000. The upper rooms of the same buildings were occupied as sleeping rooms. Stanford's seed store on the west was saved, but the stock was injured by water. The fire was incendiary in its origin.
Duluth Daily News
Duluth, Minnesota
December 24, 1887
1893 - High Water and a Furious Snow-Storm.
FARGO, N. D., April 12. - The Red river rose steadily all day long, and tonight the water is up to the doors of the city waterworks. Island Park is surrounded entirely by a lake of water, 200 yards wide and residents pass back and forth by means of boats. A number of barns and out-buildings have been swept away and some houses are already flooded and residents driven out. To-morrow the river will touch its highest point. Reports from up the river state that the water is subsiding there. It rained heavily all the forenoon, turning to a furious snow-storm in the afternoon and to-night the storm rivals the most severe blizzard of the season.
Decatur Daily Republican
Decatur, Illinois
April 14, 1893
FARGO, N. D., April 12. - The Red river rose steadily all day long, and tonight the water is up to the doors of the city waterworks. Island Park is surrounded entirely by a lake of water, 200 yards wide and residents pass back and forth by means of boats. A number of barns and out-buildings have been swept away and some houses are already flooded and residents driven out. To-morrow the river will touch its highest point. Reports from up the river state that the water is subsiding there. It rained heavily all the forenoon, turning to a furious snow-storm in the afternoon and to-night the storm rivals the most severe blizzard of the season.
Decatur Daily Republican
Decatur, Illinois
April 14, 1893
1893 - FARGO'S SAD DISASTER. ALMOST THE ENTIRE BUSINESS PORTION OF FARGO WIPED OUT BY FIRE. FOUR FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARE UNABLE TO COPE WITH THE RAGING ELEMENT.
THE WORST AND MOST DESTRUCTIVE DISASTER IN THE HISTORY OF THE STATE.
OVER A MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF PROPERTY MELTS AWAY IN THIN AIR.
FLAMES RAGE ALMOST UNCHECKED FROM 2 O'CLOCK UNTIL 11 LAST NIGHT.
Moorhead, Minn., June 7 - About 3 o'clock this afternoon the alarm of fire was sounded, and it was reported that some ashes thrown from the Little Gem restaurant on Front street started the fire in the rear of HEARSEMAN'S store. The department was promptly on hand, but a strong wind from the southwest fanned the flames until one blaze enveloped the row of wooden houses east of the united block, adjoining the Gem store, and SCHOFIELD'S gun store could not be saved, the fire taking in the contents, including a keg of powder and innumerable cartridges. The wind carried the fire across the street and soon had MAGILL'S great warehouse a heap of ashes. It then jumped over the elevator building and took in the frame structures occupied by DARLING, ANGELL, FRANCIS & SOUTHERLAND, the Piano ... Read MORE...
THE WORST AND MOST DESTRUCTIVE DISASTER IN THE HISTORY OF THE STATE.
OVER A MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF PROPERTY MELTS AWAY IN THIN AIR.
FLAMES RAGE ALMOST UNCHECKED FROM 2 O'CLOCK UNTIL 11 LAST NIGHT.
Moorhead, Minn., June 7 - About 3 o'clock this afternoon the alarm of fire was sounded, and it was reported that some ashes thrown from the Little Gem restaurant on Front street started the fire in the rear of HEARSEMAN'S store. The department was promptly on hand, but a strong wind from the southwest fanned the flames until one blaze enveloped the row of wooden houses east of the united block, adjoining the Gem store, and SCHOFIELD'S gun store could not be saved, the fire taking in the contents, including a keg of powder and innumerable cartridges. The wind carried the fire across the street and soon had MAGILL'S great warehouse a heap of ashes. It then jumped over the elevator building and took in the frame structures occupied by DARLING, ANGELL, FRANCIS & SOUTHERLAND, the Piano ... Read MORE...
1895 - Fargo
Far'go, a post-village and railroad centre, capital of Cass co., N.D., on the Red River, 46 miles by rail N. of Wahpeton. It has several churches, 3 newspaper offices, manufactures of ploughs, mowing- and reaping-machines, and other agricultural implements, brooms, &c. The State Agricultural College is situated here. Pop. in 1890, 5664.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Far'go, a post-village and railroad centre, capital of Cass co., N.D., on the Red River, 46 miles by rail N. of Wahpeton. It has several churches, 3 newspaper offices, manufactures of ploughs, mowing- and reaping-machines, and other agricultural implements, brooms, &c. The State Agricultural College is situated here. Pop. in 1890, 5664.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1897 - HEADQUARTERS HOTEL AT FARGO, N. D., DESTROYED.
Fargo, N. D., June 14. - The Headquarters hotel, the oldest hostelry in the state, was totally destroyed by fire at 6 p. m. The ticket office and waiting rooms of the Northern Pacific were also burned. A lucky change in the direction of the wind undoubtedly saved the city from another great disaster.
Waterloo Daily Reporter
Iowa
June 14, 1897
Fargo, N. D., June 14. - The Headquarters hotel, the oldest hostelry in the state, was totally destroyed by fire at 6 p. m. The ticket office and waiting rooms of the Northern Pacific were also burned. A lucky change in the direction of the wind undoubtedly saved the city from another great disaster.
Waterloo Daily Reporter
Iowa
June 14, 1897
1916
Fargo, a banking city and railroad-centre, capital of Cass co., N.Dak., on the Red River, 254 miles W. of Duluth, on the Great Northern and other railroads. It has bridge- and iron-works, packing-industries, and manufactories of agricultural implements, machinery, tiles, carriages, etc. The State Agricultural and Fargo colleges are located here. The city has Roman Catholic and Protestant Episcopal cathedrals and a federal land-office. Pop. in 1800, 5684 ; in 1900, 9589.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Fargo, a banking city and railroad-centre, capital of Cass co., N.Dak., on the Red River, 254 miles W. of Duluth, on the Great Northern and other railroads. It has bridge- and iron-works, packing-industries, and manufactories of agricultural implements, machinery, tiles, carriages, etc. The State Agricultural and Fargo colleges are located here. The city has Roman Catholic and Protestant Episcopal cathedrals and a federal land-office. Pop. in 1800, 5684 ; in 1900, 9589.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Fargo is the snowiest place in North Dakota, averaging 51.6 inches (131 cm) per year.
It is also the 6th windiest city in the U.S. with an average wind speed of 12.2 mph.
National Weather Service
It is also the 6th windiest city in the U.S. with an average wind speed of 12.2 mph.
National Weather Service
Fargo has something for everyone. Here's a list to get you started:
Fargo Theatre: This historic theater is a must-visit. Not only is it an architectural gem, but it also hosts a variety of events, from indie film screenings to live performances.
Red River Zoo: Perfect for a family outing, the Red River Zoo is home to over 80 species of animals. It's a great place to learn about wildlife conservation and have some fun.
Plains Art Museum: For the art enthusiasts, this museum features a diverse collection of contemporary and regional art. Check out their rotating exhibits and events.
Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center: Start your exploration of Fargo by dropping by the Visitors Center. You can get information on current events, attractions, and pick up some cool souvenirs.
Bonanzaville, USA: This outdoor museum is a trip back in time. With over 40 historic buildings, it offers a glimpse into the region's pioneer days. It's educational and fun for all ages.
Fargo Air Museum: Aviation buffs will enjoy this museum, showcasing aircraft from... Read MORE...
Fargo Theatre: This historic theater is a must-visit. Not only is it an architectural gem, but it also hosts a variety of events, from indie film screenings to live performances.
Red River Zoo: Perfect for a family outing, the Red River Zoo is home to over 80 species of animals. It's a great place to learn about wildlife conservation and have some fun.
Plains Art Museum: For the art enthusiasts, this museum features a diverse collection of contemporary and regional art. Check out their rotating exhibits and events.
Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center: Start your exploration of Fargo by dropping by the Visitors Center. You can get information on current events, attractions, and pick up some cool souvenirs.
Bonanzaville, USA: This outdoor museum is a trip back in time. With over 40 historic buildings, it offers a glimpse into the region's pioneer days. It's educational and fun for all ages.
Fargo Air Museum: Aviation buffs will enjoy this museum, showcasing aircraft from... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Fargo Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Fargo, North Dakota, USA
We currently have information about 17 ancestors who were born or died in Fargo.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Fargo, North Dakota, USA
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