Fort Dodge, Iowa

Fort Dodge experienced increased economic development in the late 1800's and early 1900's.  Agriculture and local natural resources contributed to this expansion.  A number of leaders from the Fort Dodge community visited the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, where they learned of new trends and developments in architecture, urban planning, parks and commercial buildings.  Many of these new initiatives were incorporated in the new construction of downtown buildings and residential homes.  The boulevard-style street in the Snell Crawford neighborhood, Northwood Avenue, are representive of one of the new road designs these individuals brought back from the World's Fair.