Blooming Prairie got it's name when a railroad official's wife gave it the pretty name. The area was originally called Oak Glen Township which had become part of Steele County in 1856. The township then also came to be known as Blooming Prairie Township. The first settler was John Blythe (a native of England) in July of 1856 and the first baby born in the township was Walter John Blythe in August of 1858. The first school was taught in 1861 by Hattie Layton. Steele County was named after Franklin Steele who became wealthy as a government contractor during the pioneer era