7/5/2008:
In anticipation of the arrival of the Northern Pacific railroad in 1871, George Egbert relocated from central Minnesota to the present-day region of Fargo.
As one of the earliest settlers in the area, Egbert held a number of firsts in Fargo’s history. On this day in 1871, he brought the first load of sawed lumber to Cass County. He constructed Fargo’s first frame business block as well as the city's first brick block in 1878. Egbert was the first Master Mason in Dakota Territory and when Fargo held its first city elections in April of 1875, he was elected its first mayor, defeating his opponent, Patrick Devitt, 86 to 51.
After many firsts in Fargo, George Egbert moved to Portland, Oregon in 1890, where he passed away 18 years later.
Written by Christina Sunwall
Sources:
Collections of the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Bismarck, ND: State Historical Society of North Dakota, 1906.
"Fargo, North Dakota: Its History and Images", Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU http://www.fargo-history.com/index.htm.
"Index to the Fargo City Council Meeting Minutes, 1875-1910 ", Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU http://www.lib.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndirs/collections/manuscripts/cityoffargo/citycommish/MeetingMinutes.html.