History of Burnett County, WI

Burnett County’s Indian culture dates back more than 8,000 years ago when Woodland Sioux and Ojibwa Indians lived in the area, making use of the natural resources such as berries, game, rice, and maple syrup. Native American families played an important role in the early history of the area and many families continue to live in the county today.

The first white explorers in the area were French trappers and Jesuit missionaries who came to the region from Lake Superior ca. 1660. Famous explorer D. G. Dulhut (Duluth) was one of the first to investigate the area in 1678. However, it was not until the 1850's when Canute Anderson came to settle in Burnett County that the area started to flourish. Anderson built a farm about four miles south of Grantsburg. The first post office in the county was established at his house and he was appointed postmaster. Burnett County was officially established in 1856. Washburn County was once a part of Burnett County but it split off in 1883. As many new settlers (Dr. Aker and family homestead, undated) came to the area, he was there to welcome them. Canute Anderson later built a flour and saw mill, a hotel, and opened a store. Grantsburg naturally became the county seat because of the trade center. By 1884 a railway (Grantburg Depot, ca. 1884) was established and by 1886 it had a court house, school, churches, hotels, and stores (Burnett County store interior, undated). Grantsburg was also the home of a starch factory (ca. 1890's).

Another famous settler of the Grantsburg area is “Big Gust” (with Martin Giswold, ca. 1905), a Swedish man who came to Grantsburg around the turn of the century when he accepted a job as the village marshal. The most unique characteristic about “Big Gust” was his height—7 feet and 6 inches. Even though he was a shy fellow, his height made it much easier for him to enforce the law. There are many stories of “Big Gust” and his law enforcement strategies. When a call was made for “Big Gust” to deal with two drunken men at a local saloon, “Big Gust” took each of them under one arm and carried them towards the jail. There is a life-size carving of Grantsburg’s giant policeman near the south edge of town, created by Alf Olson in 1980.

Around the turn of the century, several townships were established and Burnett County increased in population. In approximately 1910, Frassauer Ferron of Chicago arrived in Scott Township to retire. Ferron was a noted violin maker. He also brought a cigarette making machine with him. This was a new commodity for the time, as most people still rolled their own cigarettes, which was cheaper than buying them premade.

Current areas with an historic theme include the Crex Meadows area and the Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park. The Crex Meadows is a 30,000 acre state-owned wildlife area. The marsh and brush area is home to many different types of wildlife. In the earlier 1900's, the area housed a company that used the grass in the marsh for carpets and twine. The Fort Folle Avione Historical Park area actually dates back over 200 years. In 1969, evidence of an old trading post along the Yellow River was found near Webster. Further excavation of the area turned up remains for two competeing trading posts, the Northwest Company Trading Post and the XY Trading Post, which had both operated from 1802-1804. The Burnett County Historical Society later developed the historical park around the two trading posts.

The original courthouse burned in January of 1888. In October of 1888 a new structure was built to replace it. Both of these structures were in Grantsburg. In the early 1980's, the county seat was moved from Grantsburg to Meenon Township. A new government center outside of Siren was dedicated in 1985.

Even today, Burnett County is very scenic (Wood Lake, Burnett County) with many outdoor activities available to take in the natural beauty. Boating, fishing, snow trails, and camping are just some of the popular things to enjoy in the area. Visitors are always welcome! [compiled by Elizabeth Heard and ARC staff, 2005]

View more Burnett County Images.

---

Sources:
Burnett County Homemakers Clubs, (n.d.). Pioneer Tales of Burnett County (Bicentennial Edition). Danbury: Dan-Web Printing Co.

Burnett County Tourism Office, (n.d.). Burnett County, Wisconsin Tourism and Recreation. Retrieved August 24, 2005 from www.burnettcounty.com/tourism/index.html

Derrick, Beatrice D., (1965). Great Scott! A History of Northern Wisconsin’s Earlier Days. Rice Lake: Chronotype Publishing Co., Inc.

Kanne, Eunice., (1989). Big Gust, Grantsburg’s Legendary Giant (1st ed.). Grantsburg: Grantsburg Area Historical Society.

Van Zandt, Thomas and Jon K. Hutchison (coors.), (1978). Heritage Areas of Burnett County. Madison: Wisconsin Heritage Areas Program.