The history of Anoka County starts in 1849 when the Minnesota territorial legislature organized the counties of Washington, Ramsey and Benton.
What is now Anoka County was embraced in both Ramsey and Benton Counties because the Rum River was the dividing line between the two counties. As early as 1850, fur traders began to settle on the Rum River in the area now known as Ramsey.
As more settlers came into the area, this thriving community was given the name Anoka. The name originated from the Indian language, meaning "on both sides." In 1856, Sherburne County was detached from Benton County.
That territory, lying east of Sherburne County and west of the Rum River, was also detached to become a part of Ramsey County. By an act of the legislature, Anoka County was formed from Ramsey County on May 23, 1857.
