Dryden, originally known as New Prospect, was founded as an agricultural community by John Dryden in 1896. It became a town in 1910 and a city in 1998.
Agriculture, mining and forestry all take place in the Dryden area.
Dryden is currently part of the federal and provincial electoral district, or "riding," of Kenora-Rainy River. Kenora-Rainy River's Member of Provincial Parliament, Howard Hampton, is leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party. The same area's federal Member of Parliament, Robert Nault, is a Liberal.