Searles, a small community in Section 21 of Cottonwood Township, was platted on October 10, 1899, by Harry and Anna Jenkins as a railroad station point named by officials of the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad. The original plat included 9 blocks, and lots priced from $50 to $100 were sold by the Iowa and Minnesota Land and Town Site Co. Early businesses included a lumberyard, hardware store, blacksmith shop, general store, creamery, elevator, saloon, and ice house. Searles survived a fire that destroyed much of the business district in 1911, the closure of its bank in 1933, and the loss of many of its early businesses. Today it has a population of 110, and with a post office, restaurant, church, and school, it offers residents a glimpse at the past and a haven from busy city life.