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Fargo, North DakotaGateway to the West
Fargo, North Dakota, the largest city in the state , is located in Eastern North Dakota. Estimated population of Fargo in 2006 is a little over 100,000.The city is known as the crossroads and economic center of eastern North Dakota."Gateway to the West" is the city motto. Fargo is one of the fastest growing cities in the state, for that matter maybe the nation. Fargo is the manufacturing, retail, medical and educational hub for the area. Not depending on agriculture as years past. Fargo is the home to North Dakota State University, a NCAA Division 1 school. Founded in 1871, Fargo, originally named "Centralia" was changed to Fargo in honor of the Wells Fargo founder William Fargo. Once the railroad arrived here, the city really started to boom. June 7, 1893 A major fire destroyed much of the area. A owner of a grocery store emptied ashes behind her store and being a windy day a fire was started. Hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed. Fargo was quick to rebuild, this time building with brick. New streets and a new water system were also put in at this time. What is now known as NDSU, North Dakota State Agriculture College was founded in 1890, becoming accredited in 1915. It wasn't until 1960 that the name changed to North Dakota State University. June 20, 1957, 7:40 pm. a tornado came spinning into the north side of town. Destroying anything in its path. Within minutes 10 people were dead, six of which were kids from the same family, over 100 people hurt,300 + homes destroyed, over 100 damaged. Also damaged or destroyed 4 churches, 3 schools and 15+ businesses. Two major interstates run thru Fargo, I-94 & I-29, making travel much easier. When the interstate system was finished, the city started spreading out to the south and the west. In 1972 the boom of retail businesses began, with the building of the West Acres Shopping Center.That started an effect that continues today, buildings going up everywhere around the Fargo area. The downtown area has recently started to develop again thanks to the Renaissance District Program. Hoping in the next few years to have 500 + new housing units. In older parts of town, housing development and rehabilitation is planned. Unemployment in the area is very low. Construction going on all around the area brings many jobs for people. New businesses sprouting up everyday. Low crime rate and affordable housing contributes to the areas growth. Myself, I figure there is no other place, than North Dakota to raise a child and put thru school.Low crime-rate and "Great" teachers what a wonderful place to live. Fargo uses the city commission style government. 4 commissioners and a mayor. Fargo's current mayor, Dennis Walaker took over office June 13,2006, replacing long time mayor of 12 years, Bruce Furness. Fargo's economy is based on manufacturing, technology, food processing, retail trade, higher education and health care. Taking over what has been the leader of the economy, agriculture. Some of the big name companies in town include, Microsoft, Nodak Mutual Insurance Company, Global Electric Motorcars, Forum Communications, CNH Global, Alien Technology, RDO Equipment Company, Cass-Clay Creamery and Scheels All Sports, to mention just a few. Fargo Public Schools operates 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 2 high schools and 1 alternative high school. Fargo also has 2 private schools,Oak Grove Lutheran and shanley High. Fargo is also home of the North Dakota State University. Over 12,000 students attend school here. It is second largest in the state, UND in Grand Forks is larger. The athletic teams here are known as THE Bison. Fargo offers a wide variety of cultural opportunities. The Plains Art Museum is the largest in the state. It is located downtown Fargo and features regional and national exhibits. It also house a large permanent collection of art.Also downtown is the Fargo Theater. It is a restored 1937 Art Deco movie house that feature es first run movies, film festivals, and other community events. The Fargo Dome,is a great place to attend concerts, Broadway Musicals, dance performances, sporting events, which include; high school football playoffs, and this is the home field of the NDSU Bison, a new member of the Mid-Continent Conference. Our friends at SD. State have also been invited into this conference. Many neighborhood parks are spread out thru the city and operated by the Fargo Park District. In the metropolitan district there is 5 golf courses for the golf enthusiast. The courses include, Edgewood Golf Course(18-hole), Fargo Country Club(18-hole) Prairiewood Golf Course(9-hole),, Rose Creek Golf Course(18-hole), and the new Osgood Golf Course(9-hole). Sites of Interest
Arenas
(All Links Open In New Window)Fargo Dome-(1800 North University Drive) An indoor arena opened its doors in 1992. It is located on the NDSU Campus. The Bison play their home football games here and is also great for concerts, and trade show.Reineke Fine Arts Center- (12Th Avenue North and Bolley Drive)Also located on the NDSU Campus, the center is used for concerts, theatrical presentation, and other events. Fargo Civic Center-(207 4Th st. North) An indoor arena used to host concerts, community events, trade shows, sporting events and disaster relief. Coliseum-(807 17Th Avenue North) A multi-purpose ice facility used for the Fargo high schools in addition to figure skating and ice hockey. MuseumsBonanzaville, USA-(1351 Main Avenue, West Fargo) A "village" made up of many historic buildings form the regions past. Includes a church, school building, and numerous log cabins. It is named after the historic bonanza farms of the area. Ope May-October.The Children's Museum at Yunker Farm-(1201 28Th Avenue North) Provides many exhibits and "hands-on" participation for children. Open year-round. Fargo Air Museum(1609 19Th Avenue North) Feature aircraft from WW ll and beyond. Also hosts traveling exhibits. Plains Art Museum-(704 1st Avenue North) A large art museum located in a historic downtown building. Features regional and national exhibits. Roger Maris Museum-(West Acres Shopping Center) A small museum located in a wing of a mall. Features memorabilia and a video of the New York Yankees player who lived in Fargo for a time in his life. |
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