Merrill, Wisconsin Real Estate
Merrill: City of Parks

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In the early 1840's, as the Timber Country was open to meet the needs of the tree-barren prairie states and a growing nation, the present site of Merrill, Wisconsin, was known as Jenny Bull Falls. It lay at the heart of a vast forest land, once home to the Chippewa Indians who camped nearby at Council Grounds. By 1843, a trading post was built about a mile and a half south of the settlement and, four years later, a dam was constructed to maneuver the flow of the Wisconsin River. A mill was soon to follow, bringing commerce and, eventually, jobs to the small picturesque spot in Central Wisconsin.

When the railroad came north to move freight from the lower Great Lakes region westward to Minneapolis, the name of Jenny Bull Falls was changed to Merrill to honor the general manager of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad, Mr. S.S. Merrill. Technology was now on its way and in 1890 little Merrill, Wisconsin became one of the first communities in the world to install electric street cars. But the turn of the century brought a downturn in the lumber market forcing Merrill to diversify its industry. The community leaders' decision to stay and adapt their beloved home illustrated for succeeding generations a resilience that provides a stable economic base and avoids those problems inherent in a city of one or few industries.

Living in Wisconsin's great northwoods provides Merrillians a special quality of life, health and happiness. Nowadays, as you walk or drive through the streets of Merrill, one of the first things you notice the many historical old buildings, several of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. But you also notice the safe streets, the charm, the quiet, and the camaraderie. Housing costs in Merrill are well below the national average, making home ownership possible for a great number of residents. This advantage is well appreciated, most noticeable in the pride owners show in caring for their properties.