Sanborn County History

Population:  2,335
County Seat:  Woonsocket
Square Miles:  569

In 1873 the first white settlers came to what was eventually known as Sanborn county.  Claims were taken in a grove of trees by George Walker and his brother, Phillip.  In another grove, G.W. Hunter filed his claim, making a dugout in a side of a hill. 

Sanborn was part of Miner County.  When Howard got the county seat, the western area held an election on May 1, 1883, and a new county was formed and named for George W. Sanborn of Mason City, Iowa, divisional superintendent of the Milwaukee Railroad.

The rich farmland in Sanborn County produces the finest "Forestburg melons" which can be purchased at stands all along Highways 37 & 34.

Fall will find the county full of hunters for the opening day of pheasant season.  Many birds are raised and released to insure good fall hunting.