Driving across the Red River into Fargo, N.D., from Moorhead, Minn., in the middle of the rapids stand a few steel beams that project out of the water like giant stalagmites. That once was a bridge, you remember being told: the first pedestrian and wagon bridge to connect Fargo and Moorhead. The North Bridge brought many residents to the Fargo-Moorhead area by allowing them to cross the river safely. Today, although many of its current residents are used to passing over the many bridges in the area, the majority of those living in Fargo and Moorhead are unaware of the history that lies beneath the miles of steel beams, the only connection between the two cities

The popularity of the Fargo-Moorhead area began increasing in 1872, when the Northern Pacific Railroad built a bridge across the Red River, connecting Fargo and Moorhead. According to Mark Peihl from the Clay County Historical Society, “There was no Fargo and Moorhead until the railroads arrived.” Residents were now able to easily move from city to city, despite the danger of crossing an active rail bridge. Prior to the bridge and it’s railroad, steamboats were relied upon for almost all transportation between Fargo and Winnipeg. With flourishing trade and commerce in the area, Fargo-Moorhead soon became known as the “Gateway of the West” to early homesteaders. Before long, residents built temporary walking bridges, which would need rebuilding every spring just after ice-off, as well as after every flood.

Northern Pacific Railroad Bridge in 1880.

     Due to unsafe conditions, Fargo and Moorhead decided that a wagon bridge must be built to accommodate the growing numbers of citizens. In 1884, the first wagon bridges were constructed between Fargo and Moorhead. After disputes about where to build the bridges, the joint bridge committee decided that two bridges would be built, one to the north from Northern Pacific Avenue to Second Avenue North and one to the south at Main Street. The two bridges were of low quality. However, they were opened for use in mid-February, and May 1884. The North Bridge was closed to all traffic in the ’30s due to unsafe conditions. A new bridge was constructed connecting Center Avenue in Moorhead, and Northern Pacific Avenue in Fargo. This bridge is still standing today.
     The original North Bridge remained standing until 1942, when it was torn down so its materials could be used in the war effort. The city of Fargo gave the bridge rights to Moorhead in order to speed the action, which was paid for by the federal government. A footing remains visible in the river just south of the American Crystal Sugar building.
     Throughout the years, many bridges have been brought up around the growing cities, and many have also been taken down. Due to the ever changing climate and water stages, some bridges prove to be more hazardous than helpful. The Red River is known for flooding every spring. This is no surprise to the residents of Fargo and Moorhead. Bridges are now built higher to sustain the high water levels, or are built in a manner in which they can be raised every fall and lowered again after flood stage in the spring.
     According to the Fargo Public Works Office, the Red River floods every year. Although many times it does not exceed what the banks allow, there are also many times in which bridges are flooded and lives are lost. In a poem written by James Wright, a poet who once lived in Fargo-Moorhead and friend to many in the community, this subject is mentioned.