The Fargo and Southern Railroad was created by businessmen in Fargo, ND, in order to reach the Milwaukee Road's railroad line in Ortonville, Minnesota, 117 miles to the south. Construction started in 1883 and saw completion a year later. It hauled both freight and passengers, and was responsible for creating a number of communities along its route.

The line came under the control of the Milwaukee Road, who abandoned it in 1980.