Part of the Historical Essay Series, this essay details the history of Hanley Falls, a small town in southwestern Minnesota, and the importance of the railroad in the development of not only of this small town, but of the whole Great Plains. Complete with a map, this essay depicts the history of Hanley Falls, its layout, people, businesses, politics, and ultimately, its downfall.

The Historical Essay Series is edited by Dr. Joseph Amato, former director of Rural Studies, with the assistance of Donata DeBruyckere, Janice Louwagie, and Dr. Thaddeus Radzilowski. It is published by the Southwest Minnesota State University History Department, the History Club, the History Center, and the Rural Studies program. It is partially sponsored and distributed by the Society for the Study of Local and Regional History. Assisting with the publication are Southwest Minnesota State University Word Processing Center and Duplicating Services. Additional thanks for supporting go to the State University Q7 Initiative Fund.

Tim Kolhei is a graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University and spent part of his childhood growing up in Hanley Falls.