Siren, WI History
The name 'Siren' means lilac. In 1895, Swedish founder Charles P. Segerstrom named the city (originally spelled 'Syren') after clumps of lilacs near his home, which also served as the first post office.
The Postal Department changed the spelling of 'Syren' to 'Siren.' When Edwin Nelson became postmaster, the office was moved to his store on Little Doctor's Lake. In 1912, when the SOO Line railroad was being built, it was moved to a site one mile east.
Siren has developed into a prominent tourist and business community. In 1982, the County seat was changed from Grantsburg to Siren and a beautiful Government Center was built two miles north of the village near the site of the Burnett County Airport. This move prompted many businesses to build and expand to the north of the community.
On June 18, 2001, an F3 tornado devastated parts of Siren. However, the resiliency, determination, community spirit and support of its hardy citizenry have resulted in a remarkable restoration and rebirth in just a few short years. A memorial to the community is located at Crooked Lake Park in the heart of Siren. When you visit Siren, you can actually feel the strength and unity that has made this place what it is today.
H a v e y o u h e a r d ?
Thousands of trees were lost during the 2001 tornado,
but many were used in the rebuilding of local businesses and attractions,
giving the village a charming, north woods character.
The Postal Department changed the spelling of 'Syren' to 'Siren.' When Edwin Nelson became postmaster, the office was moved to his store on Little Doctor's Lake. In 1912, when the SOO Line railroad was being built, it was moved to a site one mile east.
Siren has developed into a prominent tourist and business community. In 1982, the County seat was changed from Grantsburg to Siren and a beautiful Government Center was built two miles north of the village near the site of the Burnett County Airport. This move prompted many businesses to build and expand to the north of the community.
On June 18, 2001, an F3 tornado devastated parts of Siren. However, the resiliency, determination, community spirit and support of its hardy citizenry have resulted in a remarkable restoration and rebirth in just a few short years. A memorial to the community is located at Crooked Lake Park in the heart of Siren. When you visit Siren, you can actually feel the strength and unity that has made this place what it is today.
H a v e y o u h e a r d ?
Thousands of trees were lost during the 2001 tornado,
but many were used in the rebuilding of local businesses and attractions,
giving the village a charming, north woods character.
