Braham
Situated in the very northeastern part of Isanti County, Braham was officially incorporated as a village in 1901.Before that, Braham was located 1/4 mile west of its current location, and like Isanti, it moved to its current location to capitalize on the new railroad. There are a few suggestions as to the origin of the name Braham. It has been said that Abraham was chosen by residents, but was denied as another town in Minnesota had submitted the same name. Another theory states that the name Braham has Swedish roots. “Bra” in Swedish means “good” and “hem” means “home” – Good Home. Whatever the origins might be, the majority of Braham’s history has centered on its growth around the railroad.
As it witnessed an influx of population, the town’s industry grew to accommodate its patrons. Having the notoriety of the first hospital in the county, many people in need of care would flock to Braham. The Braham Community Hospital had its start in 1908 and closed in 1974.
Along with serving its residents’ health needs, another first in the county was bringing electricity to rural areas through the REA. Initiated by local businessman and later mayor, Beauford Johnson, and others, the Pine, Isanti, Chisago, & Kanabec (PICK) was established in 1935 and led the charge to bring power to rural landowners. Today, Braham remains loyal to its small-town roots in the sense that it has not seen widespread urbanized development.