[3] The city of Sherburn is typical of many small communities throughout the Midwest and America, yet its history is unique in its own right.

Sherburn celebrated its centennial in 1979, and since its early development in the mid to late 1800s; it has evolved due to many factors that have influenced communities of all sizes.

In the mid-1860s, George Archer had a sod tavern on the north banks of what was then Lake Manyaska located just south of Sherburn.

As stagecoaches from Fairmont to Jackson and St. James to Estherville crossed the area, it was concluded that there was a definite need for a settlement.

The mid to late 1870s witnessed the arrival of many settlers to Martin County, primarily resulting from the growth of the railroad involving Winnebago and Fairmont.

A company called Cargill, Bassett, and Hunting from La Crosse, Wisconsin, anticipated the railroad expanding west of Fairmont and, consequently, bought land in the area.

[4] Several names were originally considered for the town site, including Lone Cedar, Huntington, and Vestal.

With the railroad's influence on the area, Sherburn's growth by 1879 had grown to fifteen buildings with a total value of approximately $8,000.00.

Following their escape on bicycles, they were quickly pursued by Martin County Sheriff Hill, his deputies, and a posse of local citizens.

Although surprised by the posse, he managed to fatally shoot Bancroft, Iowa, Sheriff William Gallion.

When his escape appeared fruitless, and surrendering was apparently not in the cards, he put his weapon to his head and killed himself.

Much of the land along the lake was platted into lots, a dance pavilion was built, and playground equipment and picnic tables were purchased.

In addition, a bath house, a diving tower, a toboggan slide, and fishing piers were also constructed.

Selected as the number one seed in District V, they defeated Fairmont, Delavan, and finally Wells for the championship.

The Raiders, although much maligned by the Twin Cities media as being "hicks", went on to defeat the South St. Paul Packers by a score of 78–62.

Governor Harold Levander, a South St. Paul resident, presenting the state championship trophy to the entire Sherburn High School team.