General Info
Chisago County was originally home to Dakota and Ojibwe Indians until white settlement in the 1850s. The St. Croix River provided necessary transportation, ample natural resources and attracted many pioneers to the area. Chisago County was then established in 1851 and its name was derived from the Indian word, “Ki-Chi-Saga,” meaning, “fair and lovely lakes.” Taylors Falls was originally selected as the county seat, but voters moved it to Chisago City in 1865. The county seat was moved again in 1875 to Center City because of its central location and the area continued to develop. Early industry was dominated by agriculture and logging until the 1890s as tourism became popular. Railroad development sparked growth and by 1900 the population had reached 13,248. Today Chisago County is home to approximately 50,625 residents.
