Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo, North Dakota
source
Name	Fargo, North Dakota
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	46.8772, 96.7898
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	North Dakota
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Cass County
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Tim Mahoney
Established title	Founded
Established date	1871
Area total km2	126.44
Population total	125990
Population metro	258663

Fargo, North Dakota is a city located in the Red River Valley of the United States, near the Minnesota border, and is part of the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, which includes Moorhead, West Fargo, and Dilworth. The city is situated near the Red River of the North, which forms the border between North Dakota and Minnesota, and is close to the Sheyenne River. Fargo is also near the Prairie Pothole Region, a vast area of wetlands and grasslands that is home to numerous National Wildlife Refuges, including the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge and the Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The city is a hub for North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Concordia College.

Geography

Fargo is located in the Great Plains region of the United States, near the Canadian Prairies, and is part of the Drift Prairie, a region of glacial till and loess deposits. The city is situated near the Red River of the North, which flows northward through the Red River Valley and into Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada. Fargo is also close to the Sheyenne River, a tributary of the Red River of the North, and is near the Pembina River, which forms part of the border between North Dakota and Manitoba. The city's geography is characterized by its location in the Prairie Pothole Region, a vast area of wetlands and grasslands that is home to numerous National Wildlife Refuges, including the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge and the Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, as well as the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Little Missouri National Grassland. Fargo is also near the Turtle Mountains, a range of hills and mountains that stretch across the Canada–United States border.

History

Fargo was founded in 1871 as a railroad town, and was named after William G. Fargo, a director of the Northern Pacific Railway. The city grew rapidly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by the expansion of the railroad and the growth of the agricultural industry in the Red River Valley. Fargo was also an important center for the lumber industry, with numerous sawmills and lumber yards located along the Red River of the North. The city was home to a number of notable figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, who lived in the area and was a rancher in the Badlands of North Dakota, and Lawrence Welk, a famous bandleader and musician who was born in Strasburg, North Dakota, and got his start in Fargo. Fargo was also an important stop on the Lewis and Clark Trail, which follows the route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the United States, and is near the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site and the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Fargo was approximately 125,990, making it the largest city in North Dakota. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of European Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. Fargo is also home to a large number of immigrants from Somalia, Ethiopia, and other African countries, as well as from Mexico and other Latin American countries. The city has a strong sense of community, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Fargo Blues Festival, the Fargo Film Festival, and the North Dakota State Fair. Fargo is also home to a number of museums, including the Plains Art Museum, the Fargo Air Museum, and the Hjemkomst Center, which showcases the history and culture of the Scandinavian immigrants who settled in the area.

Economy

Fargo has a diverse economy, with major industries including healthcare, education, technology, and manufacturing. The city is home to a number of major hospitals, including the Sanford Medical Center and the Essentia Health, as well as the North Dakota State University and Minnesota State University Moorhead. Fargo is also a hub for the agricultural industry, with numerous farms and ranches located in the surrounding area, and is near the Cargill and Monsanto facilities. The city has a strong startup scene, with numerous incubators and accelerators supporting new businesses, including the Emerging Prairie and the Fargo Angel Investors Network. Fargo is also home to a number of major companies, including the Microsoft and Amazon facilities, as well as the John Deere and Case IH facilities.

Culture

Fargo has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues. The city is home to the Fargo Theatre, a historic art deco theater that hosts a variety of films, concerts, and performances, as well as the Plains Art Museum, which features a collection of contemporary art and regional art. Fargo is also home to a number of festivals and events, including the Fargo Blues Festival, the Fargo Film Festival, and the North Dakota State Fair. The city has a strong sense of community, with numerous neighborhoods and community organizations that support local artists, musicians, and writers. Fargo is also near the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Education

Fargo is home to a number of institutions of higher education, including the North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Concordia College. The city is also home to a number of public schools, including the Fargo Public Schools and the West Fargo Public Schools. Fargo has a strong focus on education, with numerous programs and initiatives supporting students and teachers, including the Fargo Education Association and the North Dakota Education Association. The city is also home to a number of libraries, including the Fargo Public Library and the West Fargo Public Library, which offer a wide range of books, media, and resources for students and researchers. Fargo is also near the University of North Dakota, which is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and is a major research university in the region.