by Jamee Larson
In 1732, French explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varannes reached the Red River Valley for the first time, naming it as such because of the reddish-brown silt that flowed within the river. It was until 1812, however, that the first settlers immigrated to the area and became farmers. Two hundred years later, the Red River Valley is home to over 200,000 people and rapidly becoming one of the most attractive places to live in the United States.
History of the Red River Valley:
North Dakota became a state in 1889, when the Dakota Territories were split into North and South Dakota and both were admitted to the Union. Almost twenty years prior, however, the City of Fargo was settled, named for William G. Fargo, a director of the Northern Pacific Railroad and co-founder of Wells Fargo Express Company. By 1876, the population of the city surpassed 600 people. In 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 107,349 people call Fargo home, a 1.7% increase from 2010.
The City of Moorhead followed a similar path to fruition, beginning as a frontier town until being officially established in 1871. The area was a popular transfer point for both goods and passengers due to its location on the river. The 2011 Census Report lists Moorhead’s population at 28,566, up 1.3% from the previous year.
Whereas many people think of the Red River Valley in terms of Fargo and Moorhead, the City of West Fargo is also a vital component of the region. Although relatively new in comparison, West Fargo has grown at an astounding rate, topping out at 25,915 people in 2011. When the area was incorporated into the Village of Southwest Fargo in 1937, the population was 538. Ten years later, the Village became a city and hasn’t stopped expanding since.
Why the population / economic growth?
The cities of Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo have all experienced consistent population growth over the past decade. Even more impressive, they have all enjoyed some of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. In fact, U.S. News and World Report named Fargo the number one place to find a job in January of 2012, when the city’s unemployment rate was 3.1%. Compared to the national average of 8.6% during the same time period, it is easy to see how prosperous the area has become.
What can the success of the area be contributed to? I asked several area leaders to offer their individual explanations:
Jim Garton, President of the Greater Fargo/Moorhead Economic Development Corporation:
“The population/economic growth has been predicated on the strength of our primary sector industries and the strengthening of the different sector bases from traditional Agriculture/Value Added Agriculture and manufacturing to a new and expanding technology/life sciences and advanced manufacturing sub sectors.”
Garton went on to say, “workforce is the major draw and is what has made the businesses in the greater FM so successful and permitted their strong growth. Work ethic, productivity, personal values and an excellent quality of life has provided the foundation across all sectors.”
Mark Voxland, Mayor of Moorhead:
“The population growth can be attributed to: growths in the colleges both in students and staff, companies in the area that are expanding, companies servicing the oil boom that are locating in the area, companies that are starting up in the area, and continued positive national media attention.”
Rich Mattern, Mayor of West Fargo:
“West Fargo has been growing very rapidly in the past decade. From what I’m seeing and hearing, that growth will continue, at least in the short-term. Since Costco came to West Fargo, interest by other companies has been very high along Veterans Boulevard.”
Michael Redlinger, City Manager of Moorhead:
“The health and stability of the local and regional economy has been the foundation for steady population growth in communities throughout the Red River Valley.” Redlinger also credits Moorhead’s growth to the high quality of education opportunities available to students. “The neighborhoods that grew around new and remodeled schools are a direct reflection of the confidence and belief residents here have in their school system. It is a great source of civic pride and is a growth engine for Moorhead.”
What may the future hold?
The future of the Red River Valley looks as promising as its past. “I see the newer, technology industries growing at a strong pace, along with continued steady growth in the traditional, primary sector, industries,” explained Jim Garton.
The oil boom has had a dramatic effect on the western part of North Dakota, but that doesn’t mean the eastern side has been left out. Many of the industries that serve the oil patch region have chosen to locate within the Red River Valley. “With the growth in the west we have many industries here that support the needs out there,” explained Tim Mahoney, Deputy Mayor of Fargo. “Our state is getting bigger together.”
That population growth will make identifying and meeting the needs of the region’s distinct generations an important issue in the future. “Young people want different amenitites compared to years ago,” said Mayor Mattern. “That’s where long-range planning comes in. We need to stay on top of the changing attitudes of our young people to make sure that they stay in the area after high school or higher level of education.”