Price County History: From Virgin Forests to Modern Communities

Establishment and Naming

Price County was officially created in 1879 from portions of Chippewa and Lincoln counties, named in honor of William T. Price who served as President of the Wisconsin Senate and was an early logger in the region. The county encompasses 1,253 square miles of pristine Northwoods territory, making it one of Wisconsin’s larger counties by area. Read more Price County stories from across the web. When you want a hot meal after camping, Ripsaw Saloon in Prentice is open Thu–Sun from 2 PM.

Pre-European Settlement: Ojibwe Heritage

Long before European settlement, the lands now known as Price County were home to the Ojibwe (Chippewa) people. The region was rich with natural resources that sustained indigenous communities for centuries. Key Ojibwe leaders included Ogimaa Weigiizhig (also known as Chief Big Sky and Old Jackson), who played significant roles in the area’s early history.

The Timber Era (1870s-1920s)

Railroad Expansion and Logging Boom
The development of Price County was intrinsically tied to railroad expansion, which provided access to vast timber resources. The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway (later Chicago & North Western) reached the area in the 1870s, enabling large-scale logging operations.

Major Logging Companies
Several major logging companies established operations in Price County:

• The Weyerhaeuser Timber Company
• The Chippewa Lumber and Boom Company
• Local family-owned logging operations

These operations harvested massive white pine, hemlock, and hardwoods that were floated down rivers like the Flambeau and Elk to sawmills.

Early Settlement Patterns

Railroad Towns
The county’s communities developed primarily along railroad lines:

• Phillips – Established as the county seat, named after Wisconsin Governor William Phillips
• Prentice – Named after a railroad official
• Park Falls – Developed around paper mill operations
• Fifield – Another railroad town that became a commercial center

Immigrant Communities
Price County attracted diverse immigrant groups:

• Finnish settlers – Brought expertise in forestry and farming
• Polish communities – Established in various towns throughout the county
• Czech and Slovak immigrants – Particularly strong in Phillips area
• Scandinavian settlers – Norwegian and Swedish families

Economic Transformation

From Logging to Diversified Economy
As timber resources diminished in the early 20th century, Price County transitioned to:

• Paper manufacturing – Major employer in Park Falls
• Agriculture – Dairy farming and crop production
• Tourism – Using natural resources for recreation
• Small manufacturing – Supporting local economy

Great Depression Impact
The 1930s brought significant challenges as logging declined and the Depression hit rural economies hard. Many families turned to subsistence farming and government relief programs.

Modern Era Development

Post-WWII Changes
After World War II, Price County experienced:

• Improved road infrastructure
• Growth in tourism and recreation
• Expansion of healthcare and education services
• Development of county forest lands for sustainable management

Conservation Efforts
The establishment of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in 1933 helped preserve large tracts of forest land and provided ongoing recreational opportunities while supporting sustainable timber harvest.

Cultural Heritage Preservation

Historical Societies

• Price County Historical Society – Maintains the Old Town Hall Museum in Fifield
• Local heritage organizations – Preserve ethnic traditions and histories

Annual Events
Traditional celebrations that honor the county’s heritage:

• Czech-Slovak Festival in Phillips (39th annual in 2024)
• Cultural heritage days
• Logging history events

Demographic Trends

Population Patterns
Price County has experienced:

• Steady population in the 14,000-15,000 range since the 1970s
• Recent projections showing slight decline
• Aging population demographics common to rural areas
• Efforts to attract new residents through quality of life initiatives

Infrastructure Development

Transportation Evolution

• Railroads – Originally the lifeblood of the economy
• Highways – US Highway 8 and State Highway 13 as main arteries
• County roads – Extensive network serving rural areas
• Airports – Small regional facilities

Public Services
Development of complete county services including:

• Healthcare facilities
• Educational systems
• Public safety services
• Social support programs

Environmental Stewardship

Sustainable Forestry
Price County has become a leader in sustainable forest management with:

• County forest lands managed for multiple uses
• Private forest stewardship programs
• Collaboration with state and federal agencies

Water Resource Protection
Ongoing efforts to protect the county’s extensive water resources including:

• Lake and river water quality monitoring
• Watershed management planning
• Fishery conservation programs

Looking to the Future

Price County continues to balance preservation of its rich heritage with adaptation to modern economic realities. The county’s future depends on:

• Sustainable tourism development
• Diversification of economic base
• Attraction and retention of younger residents
• Environmental conservation efforts
• Preservation of cultural traditions

The historical foundation of Price County provides a strong basis for future growth while maintaining the character and natural beauty that define this unique Northwoods region.

This article is part of a complete series on Price County, Wisconsin. Continue reading about specific communities and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Price County established?

Price County was established on March 3, 1879, carved from portions of Chippewa and Lincoln counties. It was named after William T. Price, a prominent lumber industry figure and politician. Phillips was designated as the county seat and remains the governmental center today.

What was the logging industry like in early Price County?

The logging industry drove Price County’s founding in the 1870s-1900s, with massive white pine trees harvested and floated down the Flambeau River to downstream mills. Logging camps employed thousands, and communities like Phillips and Prentice grew as supply centers. By the 1910s, the virgin pine was largely depleted.

How did Price County transition from logging to its current economy?

When the virgin white pine was exhausted by the early 1900s, Price County shifted to second-growth timber harvesting, agriculture on cleared lands, and eventually tourism. The county forest system was established to manage reforested lands sustainably. Today, tourism, small manufacturing, healthcare, and forestry drive the local economy.

What historical sites can I visit in Price County?

Notable historical sites include the Price County

Notable historical sites include the Price County Historical Museum in Phillips, which documents the logging era and early settlement; the Flambeau River’s historic logging drive routes; and remnants of early settlement communities throughout the county. The museum is open seasonally with exhibits on logging, farming, and Ojibwe heritage.

Who were the first settlers in Price County?

The first European settlers in Price County arrived in the 1870s, drawn by the lumber boom. They were primarily of Yankee, German, Polish, and Scandinavian descent. Earlier, the Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) people had inhabited the region for centuries, using the forests, lakes, and rivers for sustenance and trade.

See also: our guide to free camping in Wisconsin, what makes Price County communities special, our Price County hiking trail guide and Discover Price County’s Best Hiking Trails: Your Ultimate Northwoods Adventure Guide

See also: our guide to every town in Price County