Slayton, Minnesota is the county seat of Murray County, in the southwestern portion of the state.
Situated at the intersection of US Highway 59 and Minnesota State Highway 30, Slayton serves as a hub for southwest Minnesota. Avoca, Hadley, and Iona are each about six miles from Slayton, southeast, west, and north, respectively, while Currie is about ten miles to the northeast.
Although the last train came through in 1980, Slayton began as a train station. Originally known as Center, the township's name was changed to Slayton in honor of Charles Wesley Slayton in 1882, a year after the railway village was platted. Slayton had a station for the Chicago, Saint Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad. A land agent for the railroad, Slayton platted the village in 1881, the same year that a post office was established, and Slayton became a city in 1887.
Murray County was formed in 1857, and organized in 1872. During the 1880s, there was a hot dispute over whether Currie or Slayton would be designated as the seat of government for the county. Initially, Currie was chosen, but the seat was moved to Slayton in 1889.
In north Slayton, the Slayton Country Club features a 9-hole course, and allows for member and non-member play. Municipal and county parks, in and around Slayton, include basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, horseshoe pits, an outdoor swimming complex, picnic areas, and playground equipment.
The Slayton Community Band performs at the Gullord Park bandshell in the summer, and Slayton also hosts the multi-day Murray County Fair each summer. The Murray County Speedway is situated on the fairgrounds.
The annual Days of '87 Celebration honors the founding of the city and the Murray County Historical Society operates the Murray County Historical Museum, and offers tours to historical places, such as the Dinehart Holt House, the Sierk Building, and the Wornson Log Cabin, commemorating the history of the city and county.
This guide is focused on the City of Slayton, as well as Slayton County. Websites representing municipal, township, county, or federal government facilities or agencies located in Slayton are appropriate for this category, as are those of any Slayton schools, churches, organizations, businesses, or individuals.
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Home of KLOH 1050 AM and 99.3 FM, KISD 98.7 FM, and KJOE 106.1 FM, Christensen Broadcasting operates five studios in Pipestone and Slayton, Minnesota, and services the tri-state area of southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and southeast South Dakota. Station coverage maps, histories, and advertising policies are set forth, along with its sports programming and live streaming.
http://www.christensenbroadcasting.com/
Slayton, Minnesota is the county seat and the largest city in Murray County. The official municipal website introduces the city government and administrative offices and officials, including office hours and contacts, and a guide to city services, programs, facilities, recreational opportunities, and events. The mayor and city council members are acknowledged, and council agendas and minutes are posted to the site.
https://slayton.govoffice.com/
Headquartered in Slayton, Minnesota, Independent School District #2169 offers a K-12th-grade public school curriculum, utilizing West Elementary School and Central High School. School locations, weekly bulletins, and a calendar of events are posted, along with a staff directory, daily announcements, district reports, testing schedules, and employment opportunities. District forms and links may be downloaded from the site.
https://www.mcc.mntm.org/
Held each August, the multi-day event features 4-H competitions and a variety of other activities and events, many of which may change from year to year, such as a parade, pie-eating contests, cook-offs, and other competitions, live music, dances, and food venues. Photos from previous events are displayed, and a schedule of the upcoming fair is presented, along with volunteer opportunities and contacts.
https://murraycountyfair.com/
Murray County Historical Society
The non-profit organization works to collect, preserve, interpret, and display or disseminate information and artifacts relating to the history of Murray County. Supported by member contributions, donations from visitors to its museum, and contributions from the City of Slayton, Murray County, and others, its museum location, hours, and tour information are included, along with photographs, volunteer opportunities, and historical articles.
https://murraycountyhistoricalsociety.org/
Situated on the southwest corner of the Murray County Fairgrounds in Slayton, Minnesota, the racetrack began as a half-mile horse racing track in the 1930s and currently hosts auto racing. Its history and location, opening times, entry fees, and a calendar of events are posted, along with the latest results, current points, and schedules. Photographs, video, and contacts are posted, and sponsors are acknowledged.
http://www.murraycountyspeedway.net/
Headquartered in Slayton, the county seat, the county’s governmental structure, commissioners, officers, and departments are highlighted, including locations, office hours, and contacts. A history of the county and profiles of townships and cities within the county, maps, and a guide to attractions and events, county service and facilities, health care, transportation options, restaurants, and other businesses are included.
https://murraycountymn.com/
Prairieland Economic Development Corporation
Based in Slayton, Minnesota, the non-profit corporation, Prairieland operates throughout the state of Minnesota and parts of southeast South Dakota and northwest Iowa. With a mission of assisting small businesses and particularly rural businesses, Prairieland EDC works with lenders for small businesses and can serve as a non-profit lender. Its programs, economic impact, forms, and applications are included.
https://prairielandedc.com/
Slayton Area Chamber of Commerce
Funded through voluntary investments from its memberships and fundraisers, the Chamber promotes the economies of the cities of Murray County, Minnesota. The benefits of membership in the organization are outlined. A membership directory is published, along with meeting schedules, a calendar of events, contacts, and an overview of its projects. Prospective new members may sign up to become members online.
https://www.slaytonareachamber.org/
Opened in 1957, the 9-hole golf course hosts a men’s league and a couple’s league. Its location, memberships, and clubhouse hours, green fees, cart rentals, and operation policies, and weekly leagues are discussed, and a calendar of events is posted to the site. Club board members are acknowledged, and a gallery of pictures and videos is included. Announcements are posted, and a private member login is available.
http://www.slaytoncountryclub.com/