Timeline of Fargo, North Dakota facts for kids

Welcome to a journey through time! This page tells the story of Fargo, a cool city in North Dakota, USA. You'll discover how Fargo grew from a small settlement into the city it is today, with all its important moments and milestones.

Fargo's Early History

Before the 1900s

• 1670 – A huge area called Rupert's Land was created in what was then British North America.
• 1811 – The Red River Colony project began, aiming to settle people in the area.
• 1871 – A.H. Moore's house, one of the early homes, was built.
• 1873
  • The Headquarters Hotel opened for business.
  • Cass County, the area Fargo is in, was officially established.
• 1875
  • Fargo officially became a town in the Dakota Territory.
  • The first courthouse for Cass County was built.
• 1876 – Fargo's population reached about 600 people.
• 1880
  • The Fargo Daily Times newspaper started publishing.
  • The population grew to 2,693 people.
• 1889 – Fargo became part of the new U.S. state of North Dakota.
• 1890 – North Dakota Agricultural College (now NDSU) opened its doors.
• 1891
  • The first main building, College Hall, was built at North Dakota Agricultural College.
  • Concordia College was founded nearby in Moorhead, Minnesota.
• 1893
  • A big fire happened in June.
  • The Mechanical Arts Building was built on the NDSU campus.
  • An opera house was built, offering entertainment.
• 1894 – The Fargo Forum and Daily Republican newspaper began publishing.
• 1897 – The North Dakota Harness Company started its business.
• 1898
  • The Fargo Golf Club was formed.
  • A Norwegian-language newspaper called Fram started publishing.
  • The Northern Pacific Railway Depot was built.
• 1899 – The Cathedral of St. Mary was built.

Fargo in the 20th Century

Early 1900s Growth

• 1900 – Fargo's population reached 9,589 people.
• 1903
  • A new Public Library was built.
  • St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded.
• 1904 – The Fargo Street Railway began operating, making it easier to get around.
• 1906
  • The Cass County Jail was built.
  • The State Fair began, bringing fun and exhibits to the city.
  • The Grand Theater opened.
• 1908 – St. Luke's Hospital opened, providing healthcare.
• 1912
  • Famous preacher Billy Sunday visited Fargo.
  • A large song festival, Sangerfest, was held.
• 1914 – The Princess Theatre opened.
• 1915 – The Ford Building was constructed.
• 1917
  • Woodrow Wilson High School was built and established.
  • John Miller Baer became a U.S. representative for North Dakota.
• 1920 – Fargo's population grew to 21,961 people.
• 1922 – WDAY radio began broadcasting, bringing news and entertainment to homes.
• 1926
  • Gustaf of Sweden, a royal visitor, came to Fargo.
  • The beautiful Fargo Theatre was built.
• 1927 – Famous pilot Charles Lindbergh visited the city.
• 1928 – Regan Brothers Bakery started its business.
• 1929 – A Veterans' Hospital was built.
• 1930 – The Post Office and Courthouse building was completed.
• 1931
  • The Black Building in Downtown Fargo was built.
  • The Fargo Civic Orchestra was established.
• 1935 – The Dovre Ski Slide was built.
• 1938 – Dacotah Field opened on the North Dakota State University campus.
• 1939 – Olav of Norway, another royal visitor, came to Fargo.
• 1940 – The famous "Duke Ellington at Fargo, 1940 Live" jazz album was recorded.
• 1948
  • KFGO radio began broadcasting.
  • The American Crystal Sugar Company factory started operating nearby.

Mid to Late 1900s

• 1954 – Herschel Lashkowitz became the mayor of Fargo.
• 1955 – Dacotah Field was moved to a new location on the NDSU North Campus.
• 1957 – A major 1957 Fargo tornado hit the city.
• 1960 – North Dakota State University became very active.
• 1964 – Public educational TV station KFME (TV) began broadcasting.
• 1966 – Fargo North High School was established.
• 1969 – The Red River Valley Genealogical Society was founded.
• 1970 – Fargo's population reached 53,365 people.
• 1972 – West Acres Shopping Center opened for business.
• 1974 – Fargo formed a "sister city" relationship with Hamar, Norway, to promote cultural ties.
• 1975 – The Plains Art Museum was founded.
• 1978 – Jon Lindgren became mayor.
• 1983 – The Greater Fargo-Moorhead Area Food Bank was established to help those in need.
• 1986 – The Hector Airport terminal was built.
• 1987 – Fargo established another sister city relationship, this time with Vimmerby, Sweden.
• 1990 – The Historic Preservation Commission was established to protect old buildings.
• 1992 – The Fargodome stadium opened, hosting many events.
• 1996
  • Newman Outdoor Field opened.
  • Sundog company opened for business.
  • The fictional movie Fargo was released.
• 1997 – A major 1997 Red River flood affected the area.
• 1998 – The city's website went online, making information more accessible.

Fargo in the 21st Century

Modern Fargo Milestones

• 2000 – Fargo's population grew to 90,599 people.
• 2004 – The Ed Schultz Show radio program began broadcasting.
• 2006 – Dennis Walaker became mayor.
• 2007 – Open magazine began publication.
• 2008 – Scheels Arena, a large event center, was built.
• 2009 – Another significant 2009 Red River flood occurred.
• 2010 – The population reached 105,549 people.
• 2013
  • Dakotah Field was renovated.
  • Construction began on the Sanford Medical Center.
  • Kevin Cramer became a U.S. representative for North Dakota.
• 2014 – Tim Mahoney became mayor.
• 2016 – The Bison Sports Arena was renovated and reopened as the Scheels Center.
• 2017 – The Pride parade began around this time.
• 2020 – The RDO Building was built, becoming the tallest building in Fargo at 235 feet.
• 2021 – Woodrow Wilson High School was renamed "Dakota High School."
• 2023 – The Lashkowitz High Rise building was taken down.