General Info
Cook County was originally populated by the Dakota and Chippewa Indians until French explorers arrived in the 1600’s. Fur trading became popular along the North Shore as pelts were exchanged and sold for supplies until the 1800’s. Then development began after discovery of iron ore in the Vermilion Range. Railroad lines were built as a means to transport the iron ore in the late 1800’s. In the early 1900’s, Cook County witnessed an influx of settlers arriving to obtain homesteads and work for the timber mills. Travel then increased with the advent of roads. Fishing, farming, logging and tourism dominated the industry in the area until the 1950’s when commercial fishing declined. Today Cook County is home to approximately 5,437 residents.