FOREST COUNTY, WI HISTORY AND LOOKUP

County History Books

*None Listed

Forest County, Wisconsin: A Genealogical Overview

Located in the heavily wooded Northwoods of Wisconsin, Forest County is a landscape of dense forests, pristine lakes, and a rich cultural heritage. Its history is profoundly shaped by two major forces: the booming logging industry of the late 19th century and the enduring presence of the Sokaogon Chippewa and Forest County Potawatomi nations. For genealogists, researching this county involves delving into the records of lumber towns, pioneer homesteads, and the deep ancestral roots of the region’s Native American communities.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Forest County was one of the last counties to be created in Wisconsin, carved from two larger, established counties.

  • 1885: County Formed: Forest County was officially created and organized on April 11, 1885.
  • Parent Counties: The county was formed from territory taken from the northern portion of Langlade County and the western portion of Oconto County. Any genealogical research for ancestors in the area prior to 1885 must be conducted in the records of these two parent counties.
  • Subsequent Formations: The county’s boundaries have remained stable since its creation.
  • Name Origin: The county was named for the vast and dense forests that covered nearly its entire land area.
  • County Seat History: The city of Crandon was established as the county seat upon the county’s organization in 1885 and has remained the center of government.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: The land is the ancestral home of the Lake Superior Ojibwe (Chippewa) and the Potawatomi people. Today, the county is home to two federally recognized sovereign nations: the Sokaogon Chippewa Community (also known as the Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) and the Forest County Potawatomi Community. Their history, culture, and governance are central to the identity of the county.
  • The Logging Era: The primary driver of European-American settlement in the late 1800s and early 1900s was the timber industry. The county was blanketed in valuable white pine. Large-scale logging operations and sawmills were established, leading to the creation of company towns such as Laona, which was dominated by the Connor Lumber and Land Company for much of the 20th century. The railroads followed the timber, bringing in workers and supplies and transporting lumber to markets.
  • Key Historical Events:
    • “Cutover” and Reforestation: After the pine was exhausted, much of the land became “cutover” stump-land. The economic focus shifted from logging to agriculture with limited success due to the short growing season.
    • Nicolet National Forest: A significant portion of the county was incorporated into the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, established in the 1930s. This marked a major shift from resource extraction to conservation, recreation, and managed forestry.
    • Tribal Sovereignty: The 20th century saw the federal reaffirmation of the tribal sovereignty of the Sokaogon Chippewa and Forest County Potawatomi, leading to economic development through gaming and other enterprises that have profoundly shaped the county’s modern economy.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

Records for Forest County are located in the county seat of Crandon, with earlier records found in its parent counties.

  • County Courthouse: The Forest County Courthouse, 200 E. Madison St., Crandon, WI 54520, is the main repository for records since 1885.
    • Register of Deeds: This office holds land records (deeds, mortgages) and is the primary source for county-level vital records (births, marriages, and deaths).
    • Clerk of Circuit Court: In Wisconsin, this office maintains all court records, including civil and criminal cases, divorce records, and all probate records (wills and estate files).
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth, Marriage, and Death Records: Wisconsin began statewide registration of vital records in 1907. Records from 1885 to 1907 are held by the Forest County Register of Deeds, though pre-1907 records can be incomplete. For vital events before 1885, researchers must consult the records of Langlade and Oconto counties.
  • Native American Records: Researching Sokaogon Chippewa or Forest County Potawatomi ancestors may require different resources. In addition to standard county and federal census records, researchers should consider consulting the tribes’ historical preservation offices and enrollment departments. Federal records from the Bureau of Indian Affairs are also a key resource, often available through the National Archives.
  • Libraries and Museums:
    • Forest County Historical Society: Located in Crandon, the society maintains a museum and archives with information on pioneer families, the logging industry, and local history.
    • Crandon Public Library and other local libraries often have collections of local newspapers on microfilm, plat maps, and published family or town histories.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Iron County, Michigan (north)
    • Florence County, Wisconsin (northeast)
    • Marinette County, Wisconsin (east)
    • Oconto County, Wisconsin (southeast)
    • Langlade County, Wisconsin (southwest)
    • Oneida County, Wisconsin (west)
    • Vilas County, Wisconsin (northwest)

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