Old photos and postcards gave us the true insight about certain life period of this region. For a long time, this area was uninhabited. The first legal document about Gorski kotar area, dates back to a court document in 15th century (22.02.1481.), when Frankopan family was ordered to stop collecting merchant’s taxes of traders who had properties around Moravice, Delnice, Lokve, Brod na Kupi. These villages represented an old Frankopan road connecting Gorski kotar with the coast. Frankopan family was ruling around coastal area (Krk and Vinodol), and expanded their powers to Gorski kotar in 14th century.
In 16th century Zrinski family inherited all Frankopan family estates around Gorski kotar. New rulers, brothers Nicola and Petar Zrinski used local resources and location with better business approach, by organizing trade and economy well. Petar Zrinski was ruling around all Gorski kotar estates between 1649.-1670.
After the Zrinski execution, territory was divided in many different ways, until Maria Theresa took over the administration and started uniting this area. In 1778. Maria Theresa established so called Processus Montanus – ie. Gorski kotar, the name hasn’t changed since. Economy, forestry and transit have had different stages of development. In 1809 the construction of Louisiana road started, nearby old Carolina road (built in 1728) and this had a major impact on trade development. Transport was booming, which prompted the openings of taverns and bed & breakfasts. In 1873. started railway construction, this has marked new modern era, when records are showing first signs of tourism.