Tyler moved to Dodge Center from Ashland (which had no railroad) and built its first general store in 1867.

The town remained Dodge Center and was incorporated in February 1872 by special act of the legislature.

The two grain elevators, a gun shop, Tyler's general store and The Kinney House (a hotel widely known in the region and later burned) had become established businesses.

Realizing the importance of education, the people of Dodge Center built a wooden, L-shaped, two-story schoolhouse, costing about $15,000.

A gymnasium, auditorium and two classrooms were added in 1936, part of President Franklin Roosevelt's WPA program.

An addition containing a library and home-economics room was added in 1950 and an elementary school building was constructed in 1958.

Along with the Kinney House, the Windsor Hotel developed a fine reputation throughout the region.

A third hotel, the Hartley House, was built just south of the Chicago Great Western station.

Dodge Center's first permanent doctor was Steven W. Ranson, who began practicing there in June 1870.

In 1875 Dr. James A. Garver, of Ohio, moved from Wasioja to Dodge Center, where he continued to live and practice the rest of his life.

The Joseph Garrison post of the Grand Army of the Republic was established with 22 charter members in 1885.

Garrison was the second man from Dodge County to lose his life in the American Civil War.

He died in Libby Prison of wounds suffered in the Battle of Bull Run.

It had a national reputation for the fine quality of its flour and won first prize at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.

The Minnesota and Northwestern Railroad came to Dodge Center in 1885, the name being changed to Chicago Great Western in 1892.

The last section of track to be completed was the long trestle across the Zumbro River, north of Dodge Center.

The Congregational Church community began to move to Dodge Center from Wasioja, Minnesota in 1875.

[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.08 square miles (5.39 km2), all land.

A gymnasium, auditorium and two classrooms (also still standing) were added in 1936, part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration program.

An addition containing a library and home-economics room was added in 1950 and an elementary school building was constructed in 1958.

The entire structure is now owned by a private entity and houses apartments with several small businesses.

The 2006 Cobras hold a Minnesota State High School League Prep Bowl record for both the highest scoring team in a championship game (70 points), as well as total scoring game for both teams (91 points).

Two members of the 1994 state championship team also hold individual Minnesota State High School League Prep Bowl records: Kirk Midthun ('96) for most touchdown passes (6) and Judge Gisslen ('95) for most touchdown receptions (4 -- record since tied).

[12] Kirk Midthun was voted the Associated Press Minnesota Player of the Year in 1994 and 1995 (a co-winner with Tim Rosga of Cretin Derham Hall).

The Triton athletic fields are named for former Dodge Center High School football coach, Wally Hitt.

This space was named in her honor due to her passion for swimming and lifeguarding in Dodge Center.

The city is located along the mainline of the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad, a subsidiary of Canadian Pacific.