Worthington, Nobles County, & FORWARD Worthington
A Brief History
Through its various initiatives, FORWARD Worthington has been instrumental in driving economic development, attracting new businesses, and supporting existing industries. The organization has also played a key role in community events, tourism promotion, and fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents.
City of Worthington & Nobles County .
Worthington, a charming city nestled in southwestern Minnesota, has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. Founded in 1872, the town quickly grew into a thriving community, fueled by the railroad and agricultural industries. Its name was based on a suggestion from Prof. Humiston to use name of the mother of Mrs. Mary Dorman Miller. Her husband, Dr. A.P. Miller, was editor of the Toledo, Ohio, Blade newspaper, and the National Colony Company of Ohio that came here to establish a temperance colony. Worthington had previously been just called Okabena Station by the railroad.
Nobles County, the county in which Worthington resides, was established in 1857. The county's name honors Colonel W.H. Nobles of St Paul, a member of the territorial legislature. With its fertile farmland and abundant natural resources, Nobles County has played a vital role in Minnesota’s agricultural economy for generations.
FORWARD Worthington
FORWARD Worthington is a collaborative partnership among the Worthington Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Worthington Regional Economic Development Corporation (WREDC). Established in 2021, FORWARD Worthington aims to promote economic growth, enhance the quality of life, and foster a vibrant community in Worthington and Nobles County.