Located between two major highways, Slayton is known as the "Hub City" of southwest Minnesota.  Cities such as Pipestone, Marshall, Windom, and Worthington are neighbors within a thirty mile radius of Slayton which forms the "hub" of the network. 

Originating from the sale of railroad property, Slayton was first a train station for the St.Paul Sioux City Railroad. 

Charles Wesley Slayton, a land agent for the railroad, purchased the land, and in 1881, the village was platted and named after Slayton.  The City of Slayton was later incorporated in 1887.

As the county seat of Murray County, Minnesota, Slayton is home to the County Government Offices, Court Administration Offices, and Law Enforcement Offices which are located in dual buildings at the south end of Broadway Avenue.