Canby is the westernmost city of Yellow Medicine county.  Flat as the prairie itself, Canby partakes of the simple, unadorned way of life of the great open spaces of America.  Prairie settlers wanted a place to trade and obtain the rewards of their labor; good schooling for their children, churches where they could renew themselves every week in the spirit of their historic religions; and now and then the privilege of kicking up their heels and having some fun.

Before white men came, the Dakota had been the residents of Yellow Medicine County where they hunted and fished, maintained small plots of corn and pumpkin, and dwelt in villages where their ceremonies were held.

 In 1870 a man named Underwood built a little log house just west of Canby Creek and never knew he was starting a town.  In 1872 Mr. Underwood relinquished his claim to John Swenson for a consideration of $400.00 

 John and his brother Charles had homesteads in Section 28 of Norman township, close to the banks of the lower branch of the Lac qui Parle River.  In the spring of 1873 John Swenson became the owner of a mile long quarter in Section 4, including a small log home, a wagon and a team of oxen.  Swenson sold his claim on the Lac qui Parle to Ole Lokken.

Swenson was born in Norway in 1842 and was talented.  In the immediate area of his log cabin were several dozen homesteaders.  He saw the opportunity and established a trading post.  Mr. and Mrs. Swenson conducted their store in their cabin, on the site of the present city of Canby.  This commercial venture probably was the cause of the establishment of the town site at this spot, when the St. Peter and Winona Railroad laid its route through from Marshall to Lake Kampeska in 1873.  Swenson’s store was a way stop on the mail route and in 1874 it was made a post office, with Swenson as postmaster.  At this suggestion, the post office was named Canby, after General E.R.S. Canby.  The character of General Canby appealed to Swenson.  The town site was platted in 1876.  At this time trains were running regularly, and a depot was set up;

Swenson being the depot agent as well as postmaster and storekeeper as well as being the town clerk of Norman Township.  There were about 45 people in Canby at the time.

Lots were sold by the railroad with the provision that they must be built upon within six months.  Swenson was the first to buy, and he selected the corner of Front and Main for his first store building.  Some of the other early settlers were Peter Erickson, A.G. Feldhammer, Jacob Olson, Gerald Brothers, Gustav Erickson, William Lund, Ole Lund, Rev. Olaf Hoel,  Andrew Ouverson, Nils Landru, E.P. Lesuer, Addison Morrison, Allen Williams,

 Frank Eaton, John Moore, A.A. Wattner, John P. Arnott, Joseph Van Valkenburg, Martin and Berndt Nelson, Ed Williams, Marshall and M.D. Fates, M.C. Robertson, Dr. McLean, Dr. Farnsworth, A. Gilbertson, P.A. Larson, A.W. Chester, H.K. Landru, Peter Siverts, O.M. Gorder, H.C. Smith, Dr. Billington, H.B. Strait, Charles Norton.  With all these people, and more, it was time for Canby to be incorporated as a village!

Canby became incorporated as a village in 1879, by a legislative act.  On March 8, the first village officers were elected as follows:  John Swenson president, Gustaf Erickson, E.P. LeSuer and John P. Arnott trustees; H.C. Westy recorder, O.N. Lund treasurer, John Moore justice, L.C.Mosier constable.  Judges of the election were A.A. Wattner, O.D. Gilbert, and M.G. McLean.

It has been 125 years since these folks were establishing our town. Many stories and many other folks contributed to what we now call Canby. Canby has a unique and interesting history.  MECCA (Museum Encompassing Canby Community Area) has restored and opened up the Lund-Hoel House on the corner of St. Olaf (Highway 75) and 4^th St. W. and invite those interested in Canby history to stop by and explore the house and the Carriage Interpretive Center.

A group of history minded people have restored the Canby Chicago Northwestern Railroad Depot on St. Olaf (Highway 75) and are keeping the history of the Winona-St. Peter Railroad alive.  This was the first railroad to enter Dakota and Canby was on the way!

The Canby Depot Visitor and Information Center welcomes all who come through Canby to stop get information about Canby and the area. 

Congratulations to Canby and all the people past and represent who are doing their best to make Canby a great place to live in this year 2004.

More Old Time Canby Homes

Located at the Intersection of Haarfager Avenue and Third Street.

Overlooking Canby in the Late 1800's

Canby Creamery - John Bowe Building. Formally Located across the street from the High School adjacent to the Power Plant.

Canby Oprah House and Original City Hall. Formally Located where the current city hall is.

P.A. Larson Building in the late 1800's. Now occupied by the Canby Print Shop. The P.A. Larson painting still exists on the side of the building.

Canby's Central Park Memoriam Arch complete with World War cannons.