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Bootlegging

Liquor once flowed freely on both sides of the Red River at Fargo and Moorhead, but when North Dakota statehood came, saloons had to be closed by July 1, 1890. Moorhead saloons quickly filled the gap, offering free transportation to Fargoans still needing a lawful drink. That liaison lasted until Clay Countians voted dry in 1915, closing Moorhead’s saloons ahead of national prohibition in 1920. But intoxicants
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Violent Crime

Crime Overview As railroad construction continued and industry expanded in the late 19th century, the gap between the upper and lower classes grew. With an influx of people looking to work along the tracks, complications arose, leading to an increase in crime. Although the introduction of the Northern Pacific and SPM&M improved economic opportunities, with it came prostitution, alcohol consumption, and conflict.
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First and Second Session Laws Establishing NDAC

Scanned pages of the laws establishing the North Dakota Agricultural College. 1st Session Laws, 1890 North Dakota Legislative Assembly. 2nd Session Laws, 1891 North Dakota Legislative Assembly. -Rebecca Paton, Digital History 2012  
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Mayors

1875–1876; George Egbert 1876–1877; Evan S. Tyler 1877–1880; George Egbert 1880–1882; Jasper B. Chapin 1882–1883; William A. Kindred 1883–1885; Woodford A. Yerxa 1885–1886; John A. Johnson 1886–1887; Charles Scott 1887–1888; Alanson W. Edwards 1888–1890; Seth Newman 1890–1892; Wilbur F. Ball 1892–1894; Emerson H. Smith 1894–1896; Wilbur F. Ball 1896–1902; John A. Johnson 1902–1904; William D. Sweet The NDSU Archives
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Music in Early Fargo

There were a significant number of thespians, musicians, and other artistic entertainers in Fargo between 1880 and the 1893 destruction.  Music and theater entertainment appears to have been a substantial industry in Fargo.  In 1888, according to the directory there were at least two music stores operating in Fargo.[1]  In addition to this, most theaters ran six nights per week and also had daily rehearsals.  The Vau
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Poetry and the Fargo Fire

This is a slideshow video reading of two poems written by an unknown Fargo resident and J.H. Burke following and regarding the Fargo Fire of 1893. Please click the links below to view video presentations of these poems on YouTube. Please click here for a reading of “Untitled.” “Untitled” “In our peaceful, quiet city, (Oh what a change that day would see,) That seventh day of June, Eighteen hun
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Horace E. Stockbridge

Horace Stockbridge was the first, and youngest, president of North Dakota Agriculture College, which later became North Dakota State University[1]. He was born in Hadley, Massachusetts on May 15, 1857[2]. He attended Massachusetts Agricultural College, where he received his degree in 1878[3]. He had a strong background in agriculture, which was probably why he was picked to be the president. Prior to his acceptance o
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Education in Fargo, North Dakota, 1870-1900

The education system in Fargo in the early stages of the city’s development was heavily rooted in, and influenced, by religion. There were educational centers as early as there were churches. In fact, many churches started schools so they could develop their children’s minds in the way they wanted them to be; so the curriculums were filled with references to the Bible and God. The people of Fargo, N.D., w
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Schoolwork

The number of school children that were in the school district of Fargo in the year 1882-1883 is as follows: High School 25, (12 boys and 13 girls) Intermediate, 106 (62 boys and 59 girls) Primary 246 (133 boys and 123 girls)[1]. There were a surprising number of tardies and people who dropped out, for various reasons like: sickness, death, they were wanted on the farm, or they just could not handle the course load f
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Frank Jay Haynes and Early Photography

Frank Jay Haynes was one of the first professional photographers working in the Fargo-Moorhead area.  With a creative eye and a flair for unique business architecture, Haynes maintained a prolific body of work from across the Northern Plains and early western settlement. Please enjoy a brief pictorial biography of his life and nineteenth-century photographic pieces. Images courtesy of the Montana Historical Society a
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The Fargo History Project

The Fargo History Project began in Fall 2012 as part of a Digital History course at North Dakota State University. What started as a class effort to explore Fargo’s early history through archival research has grown into an ongoing, collaborative public history initiative. Students continue to work in libraries, archives, and the community to uncover and interpret the city’s past, contributing research that expands the project in new directions each year.

Over time, the project has moved beyond its original digital format to include a range of public-facing work. Students have produced original documentaries, conducted oral histories, and developed a Fargo history walking tour that invites people to experience the city’s past in place. These additions reflect a broader commitment to making history accessible, engaging, and relevant to public audiences.

Have a story, photograph, or piece of Fargo’s history to share? Send it to us or get in touch—we want to include your voice in the project.

Angela J. Smith is Professor of History and Director of the Public History Program at North Dakota State University. Her work focuses on public history, digital history, and twentieth-century U.S. history, with an emphasis on community-engaged research and making the past accessible to broader audiences.

Fargo History Resources

The Fargo History Project is a public history initiative produced by students at NDSU. ©North Dakota State University