Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo is the county seat of Cass County and also the largest North Dakotan city. Moorhead, located in Minnesota, is the satellite city of Fargo. Fargo was officially incorporated in 1871. It is now a center of healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

Part of the Fargo-Moorhead MSA, Fargo is the core city in this metropolitan area which also has other cities, namely West Fargo and Dilworth. The Red River flows by an eastern section of Fargo. This area is known as Red River Valley, which has a flat terrain without any hills, or mountains.

At the side of the Red River Valley, a lake existed. The lake became non-existent after sometime, and what lies behind is actually a vast lake-bed, known as Red River Valley. This phenomenon according to geologists and historians happened almost nine thousand years ago.

Fargo has a humid climate because it is far from the plains, mountains and oceans. There is no respite for the city in summers as it can get very hot, and in winters get very cold. Comprising of a majority of White people, Fargo is now slowly beginning to have different ethnicities for settlers. More than forty percent of the population speaks the German language.

Fargo is an attractive city for both local residents as well as tourists. The city also has a bustling nightlife, various places to eat, places to see and can also offer you a great shopping experience. Many businesses in the city also thrive.

Fargo History

In the early days, hundreds of years ago, Fargo was a stopover for people plying on the Red River. Plenty of steamboats set their docking stations here in the 1870s. Initially the city was called 'Centralia' because of the vast number of steamboats that would stop here. But 'Centralia' gave way for 'Fargo' to honor Wells Fargo and William Fargo. Wells Fargo was the chief of Northern Pacific Railway, and William Fargo owned the Wells Fargo Express Company.

Fargo has been identified uniquely in history for a particular reason - marital laws. Known as a US city with liberal marital laws, Fargo was the place where the highest number of divorces took place. Despite being a notable fact this hasn't affected the city's image in other areas.

In 1893, devastation struck Fargo. A major fire gutted the core of the city. An event that started accidentally from a grocery shop became an tremendous fire that spread intensely throughout the city. The ill-equipped residents did not have any other recourse but to run from their houses and offices as the fire consumed everything in its way. More than thirty one blocks were destroyed. This untimely incident only strengthened the resolve of the local people. The buildings were reconstructed with bricks, drainage systems were installed, and a robust water system was designed.

After World War II, Fargo and its twin satellite city of Moorhead blossomed. After the fire incident, a tornado struck the city, but this event did not deter the progress the city was making. Fargo became more interconnected with other states. Two interstate highways - I-29 and I-94, made the city more accessible.

By 1972, Fargo had a sizeable population. To harness the consumerism of the growing population, a shopping mall was built. The West Acres Shopping Center remains the biggest shopping mall the state. Located at the junction of the two interstate highways, the shopping mall is a landmark building.

The 1980s saw software and hardware companies set up shop in Fargo. Microsoft and Cetero Research started operating from here. Fargo also saw a retail boom in the 1980s that continues even now.

Fargo is a city of opportunities. Much of the population is employed, giving it one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States. Fargo features a low crime rate as well. It has a low cost of living with affordable housing and other items. These factors make Fargo a highly livable city. It has been in America's most livable cities list for more than a decade.

About Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo has primarily been an agrarian economy. A large part of the city's revenue comes from agricultural activities. A lot of parallel agriculture and livestock related jobs are here. Fargo is a major center of food processing. Its food processing units generated thousands of tons of packaged food. A good portion of food processing is outsourced to the city from other cities and states.

Fargo has other industries as well. You name it and Fargo has it; manufacturing, healthcare, technology, education, retail and more. Fargo is richly endowed with a nice mix of the best industries.

The people of Fargo embrace a culture of enterprise and work. They make time for fun too. As the home to three universities, Fargo is the home to a vibrant culture. Theatre events, musicals, open air shows and other events are common here. Most events are produced by the universities to keep the students motivated and entertained. The Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre is an important company involved in the area of theatrical and performing arts.

Locals and visitors get plenty of breathing space in Fargo. Although most people are employed, there is not much hustle and bustle here. There are so many getaway areas to relax and rewind in. There are many popular areas that offer a scenic setting for a romantic or rejuvenating round of togetherness.

Golf is a major sporting activity here. Given the numerous golf courses here it is hard for someone living in Fargo not to play golf or even consider not playing it. Edgewood Golf Course and Fargo Country Club are the prominent golf courses. Edgewood is more than a golf course during the winters. It offers members the opportunity for cross country skiing; quite remarkable for a golf course club to do that.

During the summer, people take trips to Moorhead on the ferry. This is a particularly popular activity. The question as to why it is only done in summers is questionable, yet people have been doing it for years. Come summer time, the Red River is dotted with people-laden ferries climbing across the waters to reach Moorhead and back.

Fargo has an ever-increasing list of attractions. It is a city that is scripting history every day. Low in crime and high in employment, the city is much sought after for peace loving and enterprising people.

About Cass County, North Dakota

Cass County's county seat is Fargo, North Dakota. This North Dakotan county has the distinction of being the fastest growing county in the state.

When the Dakota Territory was formed, Cass County was established. In 1872, a list of counties for Dakota Territory was defined, and Cass County was among them. Named after George Washington Cass, the county is known for its industrious nature, much like the industrialist from which it derived its name.

A board of commissioners administers the county. They are elected for a four year period. Below the commissioners, the local authorities are the auditor, sheriff, and state attorney.

Cass County has more than 60 townships. Eight highways pass through the county. Seven counties surround Cass County. To the north are Traill County, Norman County, and Steele County. To the south are Richland County, and Ransom County. To the east is Clay County. To the west is Barnes County.

A popular activity in Cass County is skiing. The Swiss Valley Ski Area attracts many skiers. Visited extensively by the locals and visitors in equal measure, this skiing area is beautiful and exciting. A family friendly place, there is plenty of assistance given to people who want to learn to ski. The terrain is novice-friendly but also features runs for the adventurous. During the winters families from all around come and learn to ski. From toddlers to teenagers, young people are seen everywhere glazing on the snow-white dunes on their snowboards.

The population of Cass County has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. Every ten years around ten to twenty thousand people are added to the population as permanent settlers.