Woodburn was the first town incorporated in Maumee Township. It was once called Phelps Station on the Wabash Railroad and stood at a strategic point in a vast woodland of timber unsurpassed in the United States for variety and condition. It was incorporated as a 5th class city in 1935 and was known as Shirley City, named for James Shirley, one of the first settlers. Its name was officially changed to Woodburn in 1956.