Peterson is a city in Clay County, Iowa, United States. The population was 322 in the 2020 census, a decline from 372 in 2000.
History
thumb|left|[[Blockhouse built as part of Fort Peterson, 1862.]]
The first settlement was made at Peterson in 1856. In 1862, a fort was built in Peterson by settlers to defend against anticipated Dakota attacks during the Dakota War, though the fort was never attacked. The blockhouse from this fort still stands near its original location at the corner of Second and Park.
Peterson was platted in 1881 when the railroad was extended to that point. The city was named for Adlie Peterson, an early settler.
Geography
Peterson is situated near the Little Sioux River.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.