Fargo, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fargo
Former settlement
Fargo Location in California
Country	United States
State	California
County	Fresno County
Elevation	358 ft (109 m)

Fargo (also known as Fortuna) was once a small community in Fresno County, California. It was located near the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks.

Fargo was about 5.25 miles (8.45 km) south-southeast of a town called Sanger. It was situated at an elevation of 358 feet (109 meters) above sea level. Even though it's no longer a settlement today, Fargo could still be found on maps as late as 1923.

What is a Former Settlement?

A "former settlement" is a place that used to be a town, village, or community but is no longer inhabited or recognized as such. These places might have been abandoned for many reasons, such as:

• People moving away for better opportunities.
• Changes in transportation, like new roads bypassing the area.
• Natural events, like droughts or floods.

Why Do Settlements Disappear?

Many small settlements in history have disappeared. Sometimes, they were built around a specific industry, like mining or logging. When that industry ended, the people moved on. Other times, larger towns grew nearby and offered more services, drawing people away from smaller communities.

Fargo's Location in California

Fargo was located in Fresno County, which is in the central part of California. This area is known for its rich agricultural land.

Geography of Fresno County

Fresno County is a large county with diverse landscapes. It includes:

• The fertile San Joaquin Valley, where many crops are grown.
• Parts of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east.

The climate in the valley is typically hot and dry in the summer, with mild, wet winters. This climate is perfect for growing many different types of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Railroads and Early Settlements

The mention of Fargo being on the Southern Pacific Railroad is important. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, railroads were like the highways of their time. New towns often grew up along railroad lines because:

• They made it easy to transport goods and people.
• They connected communities to larger cities.

Many small settlements, like Fargo, were established near railroad stops or junctions. This helped them thrive, at least for a while.

The Southern Pacific Railroad's Role

The Southern Pacific Railroad was a very important company in California's history. It helped connect the state and played a big part in its development. Towns along its routes often grew because they could easily ship their farm products or other goods to markets.

Fargo on Old Maps

The fact that Fargo appeared on maps until 1923 tells us it was a recognized place for some time. Maps are like historical snapshots. They show us how places were named and located in the past. When a place stops appearing on maps, it often means it has either:

• Been completely abandoned.
• Been absorbed into a larger nearby town.
• Changed its name.

In Fargo's case, it became a "former settlement," meaning it no longer has a community living there.