Cass County was organized in 1873, with Fargo designated as the County Seat. However, Fargo was not officially organized for two years. On January 5, 1875, the Dakota Legislature enacted "An Act to Incorporate the City of Fargo." The city's first election was held on April 5, 1875, with 137 voters. George Egbert was chosen mayor and six aldermen were elected. They first met as the city government April 12, 1875.

The image to the left is from an stereographic image. The photograph was taken from the Headquarters Hotel looking southwest. One is apparently looking over the NP railroad tracks which would be at the bottom of the image if they were visible. The only building that I can identify is the first Cass County Courthouse which is in the upper right portion of the image.

I estimate that the photograph was taken in the early 1870's judging by the paucity of buildings. The flatness of the land and the scarcity of trees is also obvious in the picture.