Rich in history, Ham Lake was incorporated into a city in 1974 after over a hundred years of humble but steady growth. The community of Ham Lake was first settled in 1855 by a group of Scottish men on the southwest side of Ham Lake. The original name of the community was Glen Carey, which is the Scottish translation of "beautiful valley".

Following a prairie fire in 1857, the first settlers moved on but others came in their place. The new Scandinavian settlers had a hard time with the pronunciation of Glen Carey and soon the fledging community was known as Ham Lake. It officially was recognized as a township by Anoka County in 1871.

Always a quiet little country town, Ham Lake residents originally had to pick up mail in Anoka until a farmer, named Jesperson,  began to collect it for everyone. It was 1903 when phone service arrived in Ham Lake and 1930 before electrical service was available.

In the early 1900's Central Avenue (Highway 65) was a slow commute as it was a wagon trail through the sand and swampland. Though it was graveled and paved at some point, it wasn't until 1954 before it was widened into the four lane road of today.

A Fire Department was established 1969 with Eldon Hentges as the first Fire Chief. Just five years later when Ham Lake was incorporated as an official city, Eldon Hentges was selected to serve as the first mayor.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale the Ham Lake area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet.   Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 Teri Eckholm  http://www.terieckholm.com/