Sanborn, Minnesota is in lower Redwood County. US Highway 71 runs in a north-south direction along the eastern section of the city, and County Highways 15 and 115 intersect in the center of town, where they are known as West Central Street and Main Street, respectively.
Lamberton is about nine miles west, Springfield about ten miles east, Rowena thirteen miles north, and Windom twenty-four miles south of Sanborn. Walnut Grove, of Little House on the Prairie fame, is only about twenty miles west of Sanborn.
The Cottonwood River winds through the southern portion of the city diagonally, and the Farmers Golf Course extends to the west, encompassing several winds in the river.
In the late 1800s, there were no highways in southwestern Minnesota. Newly formed communities were connected by railroads and rivers, with people traveling by train or by steamboat, where there were rivers deep enough to accommodate a riverboat. Most of these settlements were connected by rail.
Sanborn began as a railroad village. Platted in 1881, Sanborn was incorporated in November of 1891, and named for Sherburn Sanborn, a long-time officer of the Chicago and North Western Railway Company.
A post office was established in Sanborn in May of 1880. Although the city's population has been largely declining since 1950, at one time it was home to four elevators and several businesses. Its peak population was in 1950 when it had a population of 613. At the time of the 2010 census, its population was 339, and it was estimated to be lower than that in 2017.
An interesting feature in Sanborn is the McCone Sod Houses. Stan McCone, a Sanborn farmer, had heard the stories of the early sod houses, such as that inhabited by Laura Ingalls, when she was a child, just west of Sanborn. Wanting to recreate the old sod houses, McCone built two of them. One, which he refers to as the poor man's soddie, is most like the ones that people lived in over a century ago. It is small and dark, while the other sod house, which he refers to as the rich man's soddie, has whitewashed walls, paned glass windows, and a roof that is supported by planks and covered with tarpaper beneath the sod. The sod houses are open for public tours.
Sanborn, Minnesota is the focus of this category. Websites representing the municipal government or any of its agencies or departments are appropriate for this category, as are those of Sanborn businesses, organizations, schools, churches, or individuals.
 
 
Recommended Resources
The official municipal website presents a brief profile and history of the city, announcements, a community calendar, contacts, and office hours for the city clerk. Annual celebrations, and an introduction to city services, such as police, fire, ambulance, finance, parks and recreation, and public works, are put forth. The mayor and city council are introduced, a staff directory, city council agendas and minutes are included.
https://www.cityofsanbornmn.org/
The metal recycling firm in Sanborn, Minnesota buys and processes all types of scrap metal and scrap vehicles, including car and truck recycling, scrap machinery, stoves refrigerators, motorcycles, bicycles, tractors and other types of metal farm equipment, aluminum, copper, brass, iron, steel, and metal tools. The business offers custom management programs for businesses that generate large amounts of scrap metal.
http://www.hilltopscrap.com/
Located on South Main Street in Sanborn, Minnesota, the bank offers personal and business banking services, agricultural and commercial loans, mortgage loans, auto loans, personal loans, and home equity loans. Its locations, services, current rates, and banking products are highlighted. Bank officers and staff are introduced, its hours of operation are posted, and office numbers are included.
https://www.myredrockbank.com/
Situated in Sanborn, Minnesota, about twenty miles east of Walnut Grove, Stan McCone built two sod houses, to replicate those that were common on the prairies of the Minnesota Territory in the late 1800s, which are open to the public through tours, and might be added to any Laura Ingalls tour. Several photos of the sod houses are provided. The site summarizes these houses and the lives of the people who lived in such dwellings. Its location, contacts, and tour information are provided.
http://www.sodhouse.org/
Swedes Factory Direct Portable Buildings
In business since 1974, the Sanborn, Minnesota company provides portable buildings, garages, and picnic table rentals in southern Minnesota, as well as several models of storage buildings, hunting sheds, playhouses, and other small buildings, such as gazebos, patio houses, bunkhouses, and livestock shelters. Its inventory is highlighted, with descriptions, photographs, and specifications. Delivery policies are outlined.
http://www.swedesbuildings.com/
Situated at the crossroads between Sanborn, Clements, Redwood Falls, Springfield, Wanda, and Wabasso, the Sanborn, Minnesota church is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. An overview of its beliefs and an introduction to the pastor are included, along with directions, administrative contacts and office hours, a calendar of upcoming programs and events, and both audio and textual archives of past sermons.
http://www.trinitysanborn.org/