Realted Links

Here are a variety of local, regional, and national links to assist researchers and property owners learn more about historic property.

• State Historical Society of North Dakota
  The State Historical Society of North Dakota holds numerous records in its archives that can be searched for information relevant to Fargo history. The archives also maintain copies of the nomination forms for National Register properties located within the state. The Society also provides information and resources pertaining to historic preservation.
• Institute for Regional Studies
  The Institute for Regional Studies, located at North Dakota State University in Fargo, is one of the primary repositories for manuscripts and records relevant to local history. The Institute’s holdings include personal papers, photographs, books and periodicals pertaining to the region, and other unique primary source material. The Institute has Sanborn Maps as well as copies of many of the National Register nomination forms pertaining to Fargo properties.
• Fargo Public Library
  The Fargo Public Library has a variety of books on regional and local history that can be used in the research of historic properties.
• Cass County Government
  The County Courthouse might have records pertaining to deeds, mortgages, wills, probate records, tax sales and court litigation. The courthouse will also have an abstract filed that provides a legal description of the property and who has owned it through time. The most current abstract is held by whomever holds the mortgage title to the property.
• Preservation North Dakota
  Preservation North Dakota is a grassroots, nonprofit organization that provides resources for local preservationists. The organization is a leader in the Prairie Churches of North Dakota project; documenting and promoting the preservation of more than 2200 of the state’s churches. The organization has also recently begun an affiliate program where it provides advice and assistance to community members throughout the state who are seeking to preserve historic properties. The affiliate program guides interested parties through the processes of setting up and administering their own nonprofit organization for the purposes of preservation.
• National Register of Historic Places
  The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of historically significant properties. The purpose of the National Register is to help identify, evaluate, and protect cultural resources. Acceptance of a property to the National Register does not protect it from later damage or destruction.
• A Pictorial History of Fargo, North Dakota
  Fargo native John Caron created this website and later donated it to the Institute for Regional Studies. It includes more than 1,000 images of buildings and locations in and around Fargo from its founding in the 1870s.