History records that the explorer and geographer David Thompson passed through the area in 1798 and made note of the quality of soil.

The arrival of the CPR in 1886 prompted Christie and Duncan to offer land for a town site.

By this time the advent of the railway had displaced riverboats for transport of passengers, HBC trade goods, agricultural supplies, and grain between Southern Manitoba communities and larger centers such as Winnipeg.

One of the few remaining water towers in Canada, it was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of April 4, 2008.

Tourism is a secondary source of income, due to the nearby Spruce Woods Provincial Park and the Glenboro Golf and Country Club.