Forest County was created in 1885 by the Wisconsin legislature from land which had been part of Langlade County. In 1886 the new county gained some land from Oconto County and there were several border changes from 1893 to 1905 involving Forest, Vilas and Oneida counties. The new county was named for the forests that covered the land.
The story of the creation of the county is pretty interesting. Samuel Shaw bought quite a lot of land in what is now Forest County and successfully lobbied the legislature to create the new county. He was helped by Frank Crandon who was a tax commission who worked with the railroads. For his help in the matter Crandon became the namesake of the city which became the county seat. The lumber industry was the major driving force behind the development of Forest County, especially once the railroad reached the new city of Crandon.
Crandon was incorporated in 1909 as a city. This is about the time that the courthouse was being built. It is the only incorporated city in Forest County.
The Forest County courthouse is located at 200 East Madison Street in Crandon.