Discover Fargo's Defining Moment

From the Pages of the Plains

A continuing series celebrating the pioneer families, forgotten towns, and frontier landmarks of Northwest Oklahoma — rewritten from community memories and historical records to preserve the voices of our past.

Part Three: Fargo — The Heartbeat of the High Plains

This article is part of the ongoing series From the Pages of the Plains, which explores the history, heritage, and human stories that shaped life across Woodward County and the surrounding High Plains. Each issue highlights a different community or pioneer chapter, bringing history back to life through storytelling.

Fargo — The Heartbeat of the High Plains

Halfway between Woodward and Gage lies the small but enduring town of Fargo, Oklahoma, a place that has seen more rebirth than decline. Founded at the dawn of the 20th century, Fargo grew from a lonely stage stop into one of the most spirited trade centers on the High Plains.

The story begins around 1901, when the Frisco Railroad stretched westward through what had once been open range and cattle trail country. The new depot at Fargo quickly drew settlers—farmers, merchants, and ranch hands who saw opportunity in the endless horizon. Within just a few years, Fargo had a school, two churches, a lumberyard, several stores, and a grain elevator that became the heartbeat of its economy.

The town’s early years were filled with the optimism of progress. Wooden sidewalks lined Main Street, and Saturday nights meant a crowd gathering downtown to trade, visit, and hear the faint strains of music drifting from the dance hall. The arrival of electric lights and automobiles in the 1910s signaled a new era, as Fargo became a social and commercial hub for the surrounding farmsteads.

But Fargo also knew hardship. Drought and the Dust Bowl storms of the 1930s turned fields to dust and skies to darkness. Families packed their belongings in wagons or Model T’s, chasing hope toward California or Kansas. Yet Fargo never truly died. Those who stayed rebuilt—first with federal relief programs, later through sheer determination. The town’s grain elevators began humming again, the school reopened, and the Fargo fairgrounds became a gathering place for rodeos, stock shows, and Fourth of July parades.

Today, Fargo stands as one of the few small towns in the Woodward area that still carries forward its pioneer spirit. Its population may be modest, but its heart remains strong—rooted in the same faith, grit, and neighborly courage that carried the community through fire, drought, and dust.

Fargo’s story reminds us that some towns survive not because of their size or wealth, but because of the stubborn belief that life on the Plains is worth the fight.

📰 “From the Pages of the Plains” will continue next issue with Part Four — a look at Sharon, Oklahoma, where early settlers turned a tiny prairie stop into one of the county’s most close-knit farming communities.

"Join a Paranormal Family on a Ghost Hunt at Fort Supply"

A paranormal family is hosting a ghost hunt at the historic Fort Supply site in Woodward, Oklahoma.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore the grounds and potentially communicate with spirits.

The event will also include storytelling and a tour of the historical site.

Tickets are available for purchase for those interested in joining the ghost hunt experience.

The article discusses the key takeaways from the preseason finale between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets.

It highlights the Thunder's improved defense, impressive performances from young players, and the need for the team to work on their offense.

Overall, the Thunder showed promise but also areas for growth as they head into the regular season.

The article discusses the 1000-day countdown celebration for the potential bid for the 2028 Olympics in Oklahoma City.

The event featured local officials and athletes promoting the benefits of hosting the games in the region, including economic growth and increased tourism.

Supporters emphasized the city's existing sports infrastructure and experience hosting large events as key factors in a successful bid.

The celebration included various activities, speeches, and performances to showcase Oklahoma City's commitment to potentially hosting the 2028 Olympics.

Oklahoma is set to upgrade its transmission lines thanks to a loan guarantee from the U.S.

Department of Energy.

The $216 million loan guarantee will allow Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company to strengthen their grid, leading to improved energy reliability and efficiency in the region.

This upgrade is part of a larger effort to modernize the nation's energy infrastructure and ensure a more sustainable and secure energy grid for the future.

Fort Supply School Carnival 2025

Date: October 24, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM, Coronation: 8:30 PM

Location: Front of school

Admission: FREE, tickets available upon purchase

Bring your family. Bring your friends. Come for the games, stay for the laughter, and be part of a small-town tradition that has been around for generations.

Giant Pumpkin Drop 2025

Date: October 25, 2025

Time: Gates open at 2:00 PM

Show starts at 4:00 PM

Location: Crystal Beach Rodeo Arena, Woodward, OK

Admission: FREE

The Giant Pumpkin Drop returns to Woodward with a new location and jaw-dropping fun. Giant pumpkins will be dropped onto a car, a piano, and more. Activities include a pie-eating contest, costume contest, live 3D pumpkin carving, candy giveaways, and giant pumpkin seed handouts. A fun-filled, free event for the whole family!

William S. Key Correctional Center Paranormal Investigation

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM (check-in) – 2:00 AM

Location: William S. Key Correctional Center / Fort Supply, OK

Admission: $75 per person (limited to 20)

Take part in a guided paranormal investigation of Fort Supply’s historic prison grounds. Explore multiple buildings with or without your own ghost-hunting gear, enjoy team-led exploration, and even stay overnight. All proceeds go to restoration. Teens allowed with parental supervision.

Main Street Trick or Treat

Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025

Time: 5:00 PM–7:00 PM

Location: Main Street, Woodward, OK

Admission: Free

Get ready for a fun downtown trick‑or‑treat on Main Street with local businesses and community groups participating. Perfect for kids and families.

Haunt the Lot

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025

Time: 4:30 PM–6:30 PM

Location: Barber‑Dyson Ford of Woodward, OK

Admission: Free / community event

Enjoy a family‑friendly Halloween event with trunk‑or‑treat, costumes, candy and fun in a safe, friendly setting.

Check Forecast Here!