General Info
Once part of LaPointe County, Douglas County was originally home to Indians. Fur traders and missionaries utilized Indian trails and settlement began in the 1850’s. Douglas County was named after Illinois Senator Stephen A. Douglas and Superior was chosen as the county seat. The first county courthouse was built in 1871 and the area began to thrive. With the arrival of the railroad, Douglas County began to boom and lumbering, mining and shipping led early industry. Communities formed near rail centers and waterways. By 1900 the population of Douglas County reached 36,335. Today Douglas County is home to approximately 44,159 residents.