General Info
Itasca County was originally inhabited by Indians and later fur trappers, until loggers were attracted to the white pines in the area in 1829. By 1872, over 17 lumber camps had been established and more followed. As lumbermen needed supplies, stopping places such as Grand Rapids were built throughout the area which often included a hotel, saloon, general store and warehouse. In 1874 a post office was established in Grand Rapids by Lowe Seavey and by 1880, the Iron Range was full of loggers. Settlers began arriving and a school house was built in 1887 in Grand Rapids. In 1890 the Winnipeg Railroad line reached the Grand Rapids area and roads were improved, causing the county to boom. After incorporation in 1891, Grand Rapids successfully battled LaPrairie for the county seat. By 1900 Itasca County had a population of 4,573. Today Itasca County is home to approximately 44,512 residents.
