It was named for Oscar M. Towner (1842–1897), a businessman and member of the 15th territorial legislature.

That lasted until January 24, 1884, when the county organization was effected, and its attachment to Pembina was dissolved.

The boundaries of Towner County, as first formed, have not been altered to the present (as of 2019).

Its terrain consists of rolling hills dotted with lakes and ponds.

[7] Towner County, North Dakota Weather Data Averages use 1901-2000 Records are from 1895–Present

In terms of ancestry, 46.5% were German, 41.5% were Norwegian, 10.4% were Irish, 7.4% were English, 5.5% were Swedish, and 3.2% were American.