Fargo: The Heart of the Prairie

• HelloHey there
  [Hey thur]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [See ya]
• YesYah
  [Yah]
• NoNah
  [Nah]
• Please/You're welcomeYa betcha
  [Ya betcha]
• Thank youThanks a lot
  [Thanks uh lot]
• Excuse me/SorryOpe, 'scuse me
  [Ope, 'scuse me]
• How are you?How ya doin'?
  [How ya doin'?]
• Fine. And you?Good. You betcha?
  [Good. You betcha?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [Ya speak English?]
• I don't understandI dunno know what yer sayin'
  [I dunno know what yer sayin']

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, there?
  [Can I see the menu, there?]
• I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I don't do meat]
• Cheers!Skol!
  [Skol!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'm ready to settle up, there
  [I'm ready to settle up, there]

• Help!Oh jeez!
  [Oh jeez!]
• Go away!Get outta here!
  [Get outta here!]
• Call the Police!Get the cops!
  [Get the cops!]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [Get a doc!]
• I'm lostI'm disoriented
  [I'm disoriented]
• I'm illI'm under the weather
  [I'm under the weather]

• I'd like to buy...I'm lookin' to buy...
  [I'm lookin' to buy...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just checkin' things out
  [I'm just checkin' things out]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [What's the damage?]
• That's too expensiveThat's spendy
  [That's spendy]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do better on the price?
  [Can ya do better on the price?]

• What time is it?What time ya got?
  [What time ya got?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [Mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
• YesterdayYestermorn
  [Yestermorn]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
• 1One
  [One]
• 2Two
  [Two]
• 3Three
  [Three]
• 4Four
  [Four]
• 5Five
  [Five]
• 6Six
  [Six]
• 7Seven
  [Seven]
• 8Eight
  [Eight]
• 9Nine
  [Nine]
• 10Ten
  [Ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the... at?
  [Where's the... at?]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [What's the addy?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [Can ya point it out (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

Fargo was founded in 1871 as the Northern Pacific Railway established a crossing on the Red River. Named after William Fargo, a director of the Northern Pacific Railroad and co-founder of Wells Fargo Express Company, the city quickly became a pivotal transportation hub.

On June 7, 1893, Fargo experienced a devastating fire that destroyed over 31 blocks of the city, including most of its business district. The fire started in a grocery store and, fueled by strong winds, spread rapidly. The city was rebuilt with more stringent building codes, leading to the construction of several brick and stone structures that still stand today.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fargo thrived as an agricultural center due to its fertile soil and strategic location along the Red River. The Bonanza farms, large-scale farms that produced wheat and other crops, played a significant role in boosting the local economy and attracting settlers to the area.

On June 20, 1957, a powerful F5 tornado struck Fargo, causing significant damage and resulting in 10 fatalities. The tornado destroyed nearly 1,300 homes and left a lasting impact on the city’s infrastructure. The event is remembered as one of the most devastating natural disasters in Fargo's history.

Founded in 1890 as the North Dakota Agricultural College, North Dakota State University (NDSU) has grown into a leading institution for agricultural and technical education. The university has become a cornerstone of Fargo's cultural and educational landscape, hosting a variety of events and contributing to the city's vibrant community life.

In recent decades, Fargo has seen a significant revival of its downtown area. Investments in arts, culture, and historic preservation have transformed downtown Fargo into a bustling area filled with restaurants, shops, galleries, and theaters. This revitalization has drawn both locals and visitors, making it a cultural hub in the region.

Fargo has faced numerous floods from the Red River, with significant events occurring in 1997 and 2009. The 1997 flood prompted the construction of permanent flood protection measures, while the 2009 flood saw extensive sandbagging efforts by the community to protect the city. These events have highlighted the resilience and solidarity of Fargo’s residents.

Fargo gained international fame through the 1996 film 'Fargo' by the Coen Brothers. Although the film’s events are fictional, it has brought attention to the city and its unique Midwestern charm. This led to the creation of the 'Fargo' TV series, further cementing the city’s place in popular culture.

Fargo is served by Hector International Airport (FAR), which offers flights from major U.S. cities. Alternatively, you can reach Fargo by Amtrak's Empire Builder train, which stops at the Fargo Amtrak Station. If driving, Interstate 94 and Interstate 29 are the main highways connecting Fargo to other regions.

Fargo has a variety of transportation options including public buses operated by MATBUS, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Renting a car is also a convenient option for getting around, especially if you plan to explore beyond the city limits. Many hotels offer shuttle services to and from Hector International Airport.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. ATMs are plentiful, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller businesses or in case of emergencies.

Fargo is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas. The downtown area is generally safe, but stay alert. High-crime areas include certain parts of the north side and some neighborhoods around the NDSU campus. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Fargo has several hospitals, including Sanford Medical Center and Essentia Health. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. Make sure to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Dress in layers as weather can be unpredictable. Casual attire is generally acceptable. Religion: Be respectful when visiting religious sites, but there are no specific dress codes. Public Transport: Be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: A handshake is a common greeting. Eating & Drinking: Try local dishes like hotdish and knoephla soup. Tipping is customary at around 15-20% in restaurants.

To experience Fargo like a local, visit the Red River Market for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with residents who are known for their Midwestern friendliness. Attend local events like the Fargo Film Festival or a North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison football game. Don't miss the Plains Art Museum and the Fargo Theatre for a taste of local culture.