The first white settlers arrived in 1865 from Indiana and Wisconsin. Stanton was platted in 1870 with little growth until after the coming of the railroad in 1879, when more than two dozen businesses sprung up and two churches were organized. Stanton became an incorporated village in 1881, the year a tornado struck with buildings under construction being destroyed causing great hardship and loss. By 1893, Stanton had gained in population to become a city, second class. The 1990 census lists the population as 1,549.
Much progress is evident with new schools, churches and homes.
Of the seven congregations, five of them have new churches. The first church built in Stanton, erected in 1878 is preserved by the County Historical Society and is listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings. The first school was in a granary west of town. As the population increased, a site was chosen for a school in 1879 on a hill above the business area being developed. There is a fine public library near the High School.