The Dakota Business College was located on Eighth Street South. The building was designed by Charles Daniels in 1884 as Fargo's first Masonic temple. The College was established by F. Leland Watkins in 1890 with five students. It was owned by the Watkins family until it closed in 1978. Initially, the College consisted of of one building (upper left image). It later expanded to two buildings (see the fanciful image on the upper right).

The rare advertising photograph to the right by G.E. Flaten illustrates what must have been the precursor to the College. It advertises the "Dakota Business and Literary College" with M.F. Know, President and F. Leland Watkins, Principal. It advertises courses in letter writing, penmanship, spelling, typewriting, shorthand, English, science, and mathematics.

The College provided a simulated work environment as can be seen in the images below. The students also used simulated coinage in their classes.