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Howard Lake, MN
Howard Lake, Minnesota, situated in Wright County approximately 45 miles west of the Twin Cities, boasts a rich history rooted in agriculture, transportation, and community development. The area was first settled in 1855 by Morgan V. Cochran, who initially established a village named "Lynden." In 1863, Cochran sold his land to Charles Goodsell, who farmed the area until the arrival of the Great Northern Railway in 1869. That same year, Goodsell platted the town site, and the community began to flourish. The town was named after the adjacent Howard Lake, which was itself named in honor of John Howard, an 18th-century English prison reformer.
The railroad's arrival was a pivotal moment for Howard Lake, transforming it into a hub for commerce and transportation. By the late 19th century, the town featured merchant establishments, hotels, livery stables, grain elevators, a bank, a lumberyard, and a mill. It also had three law firms, four doctors, and seven churches, reflecting a rapidly growing and diverse community.
In 1878, government surveyors officially established the city, and by 1896, Howard Lake had installed its own waterworks and electric generating system, showcasing its commitment to modernization. The original city hall, built in 1891, was destroyed by fire in 1902. In response, the city council issued a bond in 1904 to finance a new building on the same site. The new city hall, completed in 1906, was constructed of red Menominee brick and featured a combination of Richardsonian Romanesque and Queen Anne architectural styles. This multipurpose building housed a post office, public library, 500-seat auditorium, courtroom, council chambers, fire department, public hall, offices, horse barn, and a barber shop.
Over the years, Howard Lake continued to evolve while maintaining its small-town charm. The city invested in infrastructure and community facilities, including the development of parks and the preservation of historic sites. In recent years, Howard Lake has embraced sustainability, with plans to open Minnesota's first net-zero energy public library. This state-of-the-art facility aims to provide library collections, technology access, and meeting spaces, all while achieving energy efficiency.
Today, Howard Lake is a thriving community with a population of just over 2,000 residents. It offers a blend of historical significance and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live, work, and visit. The city's rich history, coupled with its commitment to progress, ensures that Howard Lake remains a vibrant and welcoming community for generations to come.
