Welcome to Blaine, a city with a fascinating history that stretches back to the days before European settlers arrived. This area was originally a hunting ground for the Dakota and Ojibwe people, who thrived here thanks to the rich natural resources. The transformation of this land into what we now know as Blaine began in 1847 when a government land survey crew led by Deputy Surveyor Andrew Hewett scoped the region. Hewett’s report was less than enthusiastic, describing the land as almost inaccessible except when frozen. Yet, despite its challenges, Blaine attracted those with an adventurous spirit.
In the 1850s, land speculators took an interest in the area, though they rarely settled there themselves. One exception was Andrew More, who appears in the 1857 census, likely making him the first settler. However, the honor of being the first permanent settler probably goes to Phillip Leddy, an Irish immigrant who bought land in 1857 and farmed near what became known as Laddie Lake. After Leddy’s death in 1872, his family continued to farm the land for several years.
The township of Blaine was officially organized in 1877, separating from the City of Anoka. Moses Ripley, who hailed from Maine, was elected as the first chairman of the Board of Supervisors. He played a critical role in naming the township after James G. Blaine, a prominent U.S. Senator from Maine.
For many years, Blaine was a quiet community with a population of just 128 by 1880. The landscape was dominated by dairy farms until after World War II, when returning servicemen and their families began creating a demand for housing. Blaine’s proximity to the Twin Cities became a major asset, especially after the development of major highways like Interstate 35W and Highway 10, which improved accessibility.
The late 20th century saw further growth and development with the construction of the National Sports Center in 1990 and the TPC of the Twin Cities golf course in 2000. Today, Blaine is a bustling suburb with a population exceeding 75,000, making it the largest city in Anoka County and the 9th largest in Minnesota. From its rugged beginnings to its current status as a vibrant city, Blaine’s history is a testament to the resilience and growth of a community that has continued to evolve through the decades.
