Named after Union General Oliver Otis Howard, Howard County was organized in 1871. It was originally settled by the Paul brothers, who were Scouts for the US Army. They remarked on the beauty of the area, and determined to start a settlement there. The land there was originally all railroad land and part of Hall County. St. Paul is the county seat. There are also several villages; Boelus, Cotesfield, Cushing, Dannebrog, Elba and Farwell.
One of the best reasons to visit Howard County was the Tractor Pull in Boelus.