The Early History of Hermantown
The roots of Hermantown are based on the pioneers who worked their land as the United States spread westward. A pioneer by the name of August Kohits was granted the first homestead land in the town of Herman by the U.S. government in 1872. He had lived and worked his parcel of land for 5 years already. A few other pioneers living and working the land here would also be granted homestead. It is thought that the town gets its name from August Herman who was the first surveyor in this area. County tax records recorded in 1873 list this as the Town of Herman.
By around 1900, the population of Hermantown began to grow a little because of speculation that the government would be building a seaway to connect the east coast with Duluth. A rail line had been established to Duluth which made Hermantown more accessible. Land prices also began to climb. By 1910, more industries had moved into Hermantown to include several sawmills, an ice company, and slaughterhouse. Three new two-room schools had been built, a town hall established, and the population had grown to around 300.
