Ever wonder where the name Delano came from? It’s a story rooted in railroads and community spirit. Delano is a city in Wright County Minnesota. It embodies the spirit of community.
Let’s step back to 1868. Steel rails stretched westward from Minneapolis reaching the present site of Delano. The town was originally called Crow River. But the residents wanted a unique identity. They chose to honor Francis Roach Delano. He was an official of the railroad. The legislature made the name change official in 1870. Delano was incorporated in 1876.
Delano sits along the South Fork of the Crow River. The area is 4.43 square miles. That is all land. U.S. Highway 12 is a main route through Delano. The city is about 27 miles from downtown Minneapolis.
Imagine the early days of Delano. James P. Lyle a Nova Scotian claimed land in 1855. Soon others joined him. They built homes of logs. Sawing lumber was a community effort. Roads were rough. Settlers traveled by canoe to Watertown and Rockford.
The railroad changed everything. It brought more settlers. Germans and Polish people came to the area. They were railroad workers. They sought new opportunities. They saw the rich soil. Many decided to stay.
Delano became a hub for business. William Wesson sold goods. Miner Ball ran a general store. Warren Ames built one of the first saloons. The Great Northern Hotel was a popular stop. It offered rest for travelers. Salesmen rented rigs to visit nearby towns.
The town’s oldest and largest Fourth of July celebration began in 1857. This event draws over 30000 visitors. The Delano community comes together to celebrate.
Delano has a rich history. Three buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. These are the Eagle Newspaper Office the Delano Village Hall and the Simon Weldele House.
Today Delano is a growing community. It balances progress with a small-town feel. The motto captures it well. It is the spirit of community. Delano offers a blend of history and modern life. It’s a place where community matters.