General Info
The first white explorers to venture to the St. Croix River area came in 1680. They were Daniel Graysolon and Sieur du Lhut, along with their fellow French-Canadian companions. Settlers to the area came as early as 1837, but it wasn’t until 1838 that the St. Croix Falls settlement began. Many early settlers were Scandinavian and selected Polk County because it resembled their native homeland. Polk County was established in 1853 and it was formed from what had previously been St. Croix County. As the railroad arrived in 1883, Polk County began to grow and communities formed near rivers and rail stations. Polk County was named after the eleventh U.S. President, James K. Polk. Today Polk County is home to approximately 41,319 residents.
