Linton is named for James Linton, an early settler in the area, and also twice Mayor of Palmerston North. The Scotsman was one of the first European settlers in Palmerston. He and his wife, Sarah, arrived on horseback from Wairarapa early in 1871. Linton served as mayor of Palmerston North 1879–82 and 1884–85, and was a director and ardent promoter of the
Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company. The site of the original planned Linton township is several kilometres away from current army camp, at the location of
a Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company station on the Wellington ‒ Longburn railway line. Along with several other directors of this private company, James Linton was honoured by having a railway station settlement on the line named after him. The line, opened in 1886, was a successful venture, but the Linton township did not develop. In 1889, a school was established, and St Columba's Church, which serve the small farming community. Prior to 1996, Linton was part of the
Manawatu electorate. However, due to the reformation of the electoral system from FPP to MMP, the electorate of Palmerston North's boundaries were redrawn to include Linton. In 2007, the boundaries were redrawn and Linton was shifted into the Rangitikei electorate. Until 2013, Linton was part of the Ashhurst-Fitzherbert Ward of Palmerston North City Council, alongside Aokautere and Turitea. ==Demographics==