History

1930 Street Scene, Courtesy Nelson Photography

1889 Railroad Turntable, Courtesy Nelson Photography

The earliest known inhabitants of McLeod County were the Native American Sioux. Not until the early summer of 1855 was the first permanent white settlement made in McLeod County.

In the spirit of the early settlers and businesses, Glencoe continues to be characterized by hard-working members of the community, growing businesses and plans for a bright future!

Glencoe, named for its resemblance to a valley in Scotland, was the first city to be officially founded by settlers in McLeod County. At that time the nearest known neighbors were thirty miles away, leaving settlers and businesses to travel many miles by wagon for supplies. Even in these hard times, the first known business in Glencoe was started in 1855, followed by the construction of the creamery in 1894, the opening of the telephone company in 1897, the beginning of Glencoe Brewing Company in 1901, and the dedication of the Glencoe Library in 1904.