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Fargo Fire Images and Music

In 1893, Fargo was struck by a devastating fire. Here is a brief description of the events of the fire, combined with indelible images from the event itself. -Chad Halvorson, Digital History 2012  
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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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The Inaugural Fargo History Project: Opening and Reception

7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 at the Plains Art Museum Join us for the opening of the inaugural Fargo History Project at the Plains Art Museum. NDSU student scholars will share highlights of their recent work to research and document Fargo from 1871-1897. The event is free and open to the public. The Fargo History Project is a public history initiative sponsored by Angela Smith, Assistant Professor of History at NDSU.
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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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Central High School

In 1874, a School Mill was passed to establish a school district in Fargo, North Dakota. In May of that year, Miss Gillings was hired to teach the children for $45 per month. In 1875, the first school house was purchased for the use of the school, and there were 105 school age children in Fargo, according to the Census records. In 1883, a combination grade and high school building was constructed, which was Central h
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Songs/Poems of Inspiration

Early pioneers to the Fargo area ran into hardships living on the edge of the Great Plains. They took comfort in the fact that most of their neighbors would come to their aid if need be. They also took comfort in a friendly game of cards, some fiddle, and shot or two of the local drink to calm their souls.  It was never easy for anyone, but to make thing just a little bit better they sang songs and wrote about their 
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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