Island Park was part of the original townsite of Fargo platted out by the Northern Pacific Railroad. Jacob Lowell, Jr. and J.B. Power interceded with the railroad and the area that is now Island Park was deeded to the city for a park.

The map on the right is taken from an 1899 Fargo street map. One can see the many paths through the park. On the west (left) side is a lagoon and on the east side are several unidentified structures and a circular wading pool.

Boating on the river appeared to be a tranquil pastime based on the 1911 postcard to the left. The chimney on the right side is from the old Fargo water plant which stood in the park just south of today's Fargo Moorhead Community Theater building.

The wading pool pictured on the right also appeared to be popular.

For more information about Island Park, please go to the next page.