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Many fine publications have been written by historians who researched and local pioneers who shared their life experiences. Each region of the Arrowhead has unique history of the settlers who came here for independence and to fulfill their dreams. Much of our information was provided by writings from the late Bill Raff, an avid Cook County historian, and those he mentored. The About the Area page is dedicated to comments from our readers. Whether you are a local resident, seasonal visitor or just passing through, we invite you to share your experiences in Cook County. We believe that those of us who reside here and each of you who visits leave a footprint in time that shapes our future history. Our website won't last forever, but your memories will.
Grand Marais - the early days
The village was named over 200 years ago and appeared on Lake Superior navigation maps made by 18th century French mapmakers. Many refer to it as 'Great Marsh or Swamp' from the literal French translation. But to the French Canadian voyageurs, 'Marais' was a coastal harbor or refuge. The original Native American name, Kitchi-bitobig' means "great pond or placid water". In 1856 the U.S. Postal Service named it 'Hiawatha' but the name reverted to Grand Marais when the office closed two years later.
The territory was open to white settlement in 1854 and with it came fur traders, land speculators and prospectors. Other than occasional speculators, the earliest to settle and build cabins were said to be a group of seven individuals who came by canoe from Duluth. By 1873, three other partners had come to the area and began to secure all of the land in the village and harbor waterfront, intending to build freight docks and warehouses with railroad access. Although they did not succeed on a grand scale, the harbor became a port for schooners and steamers carrying freight and passengers. In the late 1800's, the immigration of hardy Scandanavian fishermen and their families brought us a cultural heritage and passion for the arts that are celebrated and remain a part of our economic mainstay today. Virgin forests of red and white pines gave way to the growth of the logging industry. Timber was shipped on rafts towed to Duluth to a large sawmill and in 1914, Hedstrom Lumber Company, started as a local sawmill that provided lumber for the housing industry. In 1900, the North Shore Drive, a rocky corduroy road, was opened from Duluth to Grand Marais. The tourism industry began in the 1890's with the first "mom and pop" resorts that provided basic accommodations to visiting fishermen and hunters.
There is much more to be learned about the diversity and richness of our resources and the people who have a significant place in our history. We encourage you to visit and support the Grand Marais Historical Society on Wisconsin Street that is housed in the original lightkeeper's home.