Canby

History

John Swenson, who secured a homestead on section 4 of Norman Township where now stands the City of Canby, was one of the early European settlers in the area. After erecting a claim shanty, for the convenience of his neighbors, he opened a little store in his cabin. In November 1874, he secured the establishment of a post office in that store. At Swenson's suggestion, the post office was named Canby, in honor of Civil War and career officer General Edward Canby of the United States Army. (General Canby had been assassinated the prior year during peace negotiations with the Modoc Tribe of Northern California.) However, in 1876 the surrounding country was receiving new settlers and the railway company deemed it time to begin the operation of train service over the western part of the line. Canby Station was established and on August 24, 1876, and the city platted by the Winona & St. Peter Railroad Company soon after the railroad was extended to that point.

Geography

Canby is located mainly in Sections 3 & 4 of Norman Township (T114N R45W). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of ; is land and is water. Canby Creek, a tributary of the Lac qui Parle River, flows through the city. U.S. Highway 75 and Minnesota State Highway 68 are two of the main routes in the city. Minnesota State Highway 67 is in close proximity to the city.

Race & ethnicity

Most-observed species

• Red-winged Blackbird

  Agelaius phoeniceus (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  163
• Mallard

  Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  152
• Ring-necked Pheasant

  Phasianus colchicus Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  133
• Canada Goose (canadensis Group)

  Branta canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  131
• Common Grackle

  Quiscalus quiscula (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  129
• Blue-winged Teal

  Spatula discors (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  129
• Mourning Dove

  Zenaida macroura (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  122
• Western Meadowlark

  Sturnella neglecta Audubon, 1844 · Aves
  120

Largest nearby schools

• CANBY ELEMENTARY
  Elementary · CANBY · 304 students · 15.2:1 ratio
• CANBY SECONDARY
  High · CANBY · 303 students · 21.6:1 ratio