Courtland’s early history began in 1855 with first settlers Jacob Harmon, Mr. Haresine, John Sidel, Jacob Gfeller, and Ole Nelson, and most of the early settlers came from Germany. In 1856 the village of Red Stone, near the ferry, was surveyed but never developed, and the Hilo post office was established in the home of Wm. Duprey, who was appointed postmaster. In 1858 the township and village were surveyed, and seven years later the place was renamed Courtland. A Lutheran church was organized in 1859. In 1862, nine people were murdered in the Sioux Uprising. By 1882, Courtland had three general stores, a harness shop, a wagon shop, a hotel, and a grain elevator.