The village of Hastings had its beginnings when Andrew Salthammer, post master of an inland post office named "Hastings" in Section 20, Skandia Township, moved the office to the Northern Pacific Railroad in the Northwest of Section 14, Spring Creek Township, in 1900. He conveniently neglected to notify the Post Office Department of the move.

A hotel was built by C. Bryne at the time of the establishment of the post office and Salthammer added a small store to his building. E. O. Reiten built a blacksmith shop and this was followed by the building of an elevator by Anderson and Gage. Anton Anderson bought the hotel from Bryne and added a hardware; store. Gilbert Johnson built the Sather restaurant building and Peterson and Dahl went into the general merchandising business.

Hastings was platted by Foster C. Clement on August 2, 1902. The Scott States Bank, later the First State Bank, was established on September 3, 1907.

Sever Ramstad, a former Norwegian Army Officer, was the leading exponent of the cultural side of the village of Hastings, organizing a drama club, singing groups, dances and parties.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 284