Laona (CDP), Wisconsin

Laona is an unincorporated census-designated place in the town of Laona in Forest County, Wisconsin, United States. U.S. Route 8 travels east–west through the community and Wisconsin Highway 32 travels south and west of the community. The community park has a sign stating that the community donated the 1979 Christmas tree at the nation's capitol. As of the 2010 census, its population is 583.HistoryThe town was established in 1903, although settlement had begun in 1896 by William D. Connor, a lumberman and President of his R. Connor Lumber and Land Company. The community was named for the daughter of Norman Johnson, an early resident; the first child born to a settler.In 1896, W.D. Connor backpacked sixty miles from Gillett, Wisconsin to explore the region along a proposed Chicago and North Western Railway route. Living off the abundant fish and game, he found several potential sites for mills and towns. The first was to become Wabeno, Wisconsin the second was to become Laona. Connor ultimately purchased over 100000acre surrounding Laona.