Most Dakota County cities were previously townships or unincorporated villages before officially incorporating as cities. Some incorporated as villages first, then became cities in 1974 when all Minnesota villages were switched over to city status. These dates reflect the earliest incorporation dates for Dakota County cities or villages.
Hastings1857
Farmington1872
Rosemount1875
Mendota1887
South St. Paul1887
Mendota Heights1956
Sunfish Lake1958
Inver Grove Heights1965
Lakeville1967
Apple Valley1968
Eagan *1972
* Eagan Township was founded in 1860, and the city held a 150th anniversary celebration in 2010 in recognition of the township's beginnings.
Sources: Dakota County Historical Society, city websites
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