Fargo (N.D.). Board of City Commissioners
Records, 1875-1980
17.4 linear feet (Mss 42, 167, 176)

Fargo began in September 1871 as a post office established on the present site with the name Centralia to serve the needs of the coming Northern Pacific Railroad.  In 1872, the Centralia name was changed to Fargo to honor the founder of Wells-Fargo and Northern Pacific Board of Directors member, William G. Fargo.  On January 5, 1875 Fargo was incorporated and an organizational city government meeting was held on April 12, 1875.  A council form of government was chosen and remained so until 1913 when city voters approved the change to the commission form of government.

The collection contains transcribed and original minutes detailing the actions of the Council (1875-1913) and Commission (1913-1934).  The first three volumes (1875-1888) are transcribed copies from partially burnt originals and contain some gaps.  The volumes also include the minutes (1883-1900) of the Board of Equalization.  Also contained is the correspondence of Mayor Herschel Lashkowitz; calendar of commission meetings; general administrative files; legal opinions of the city attorney; Urban Renewal; and transportation and planning files. 

An online selective index to the council meeting minutes covering 1875-1910 is available.
 

City of Fargo