Grand Forks, North Dakota

:Grand Forks redirects here. See also: Grand Forks (disambiguation)

History

Grand Forks is one of the oldest major cities in the Dakotas. Prior to settlement by Europeans, the area where the city now sits (at the forks of the Red River and Red Lake River) had been an important meeting and trading point for Native Americans. Early French explorers and traders called the location "Les Grandes Fourches." The town was first settled by a steamboat captain named Alexander Griggs. His nine acre (36,000 m²) piece of property would become what is now known as downtown Grand Forks. The name "Grand Forks" was first applied in 1870 by the community's first postmaster and incorporation followed on February 22, 1881.

Related Topics:
Dakotas - Red River - Red Lake River - Native Americans - Steamboat - Downtown - 1870 - 1881

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Grand Forks grew rapidly in its early years. Growth was spurred by waves of immigrants and Americans from the eastern portion of the country and the coming of the railroad. The first settlers were farmers, but merchants and professional people from Minneapolis and other cities soon populated the city. In 1893, The Diamond Milling Company of Grand Forks started making a new breakfast cereal that they called Cream of Wheat. The cereal was invented by mill employee Thomas Amidon. By the dawn of the 20th Century, the city had become the center of the region and boasted many amenities usually found in larger cities.

Related Topics:
Immigrants - Railroad - Minneapolis - 1893 - Cream of Wheat - 20th Century

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The first half of the 1900's saw steady growth and the development of new neighborhoods farther south and west of downtown. In 1954, Grand Forks was chosen as the site for an Air Force base. The Grand Forks Air Force Base brought thousands of new jobs and residents to the community. The military base and the University of North Dakota would become the two most integral pieces of the city's economy.

Related Topics:
1900's - 1954 - Air Force - Grand Forks Air Force Base - University of North Dakota

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The later half of the century saw an increased shift away from downtown and towards the outskirts of the community. Several urban renewal projects tore down sections of the downtown area to make way for public buildings and transportation improvements. New public schools, a new hospital, and many commercial centers were built during this period. The coming of the Interstate highway system revolutionalized the way people traveled throughout the region.

Related Topics:
Urban renewal - Interstate

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Flood of 1997

The city was struck by a severe flood in 1997, causing extensive damage. A major fire also destroyed eleven buildings in the city's downtown area during the height of the flooding. National media attention helped a speed recovery. Also helpful was a large donation from McDonald's restaurant heiress Joan Kroc, who was known as "The Angel" until her identity was revealed. Several neighborhoods had to be completely demolished to make way for a massive new dike system which, when completed in 2006, will protect the community from future flooding. The land bordering the Red River is now known as The Greenway.

Related Topics:
Flood in 1997 - McDonald's - Joan Kroc - 2006 - The Greenway

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Recent events

Since the flood, growth and new development has taken place throughout the city. Major projects have included the Alerus Center (football, concerts), the $100+ million Ralph Engelstad Arena (home of the UND Fighting Sioux hockey team) on the UND campus, and a number of new commercial projects on the outskirts of town. The city is currently experiencing steady population growth. A large number of homes, townhouses, and apartment buildings have been constructed recently. Most commercial development has taken place around the Ralph Engelstad Arena and along the 32nd Avenue South commercial corridor.

Related Topics:
Alerus Center - $ - Ralph Engelstad Arena - Fighting Sioux

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Current issues the city is facing include the construction of a $50 million Canad Inns hotel and entertainment complex which will be located adjacent to the Alerus Center, construction of a proposed tribal casino, potential multi-million dollar housing projects in downtown, and realignment of the air base. On June 20, 2005, the Grand Forks City Council approved an ordinance which bans smoking in most public places. The ban went into effect on August 1 of 2005.

Related Topics:
$ - Canad Inns - June 20 - 2005 - Bans smoking - August 1

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In late 2004/early 2005, Ralph Engelstad Arena played host to the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. The arena will host the 2008 Ford World Men's Curling Championship.

Related Topics:
2004 - 2005 - 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships - 2008 Ford World Men's Curling Championship

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