How the Small Central Wisconsin City of Merrill Began

The region was first inhabited by the Ojibwe/Chippewa Native Americans. By 1943, there was a trading post constructed near the village. It was located on the Wisconsin River at the foot of South Mill Street, Traders called the post Beaulieux Rapids.

In the 1840s, the region was a vast forest of untouched timber. Alex Pearson was measuring lumber as far as Grandfather Bull Falls, as his father and uncle were lumbering on the river.  The large area of virgin pine in the area Alex called Jenny Bull Falls, was an excellent opportunity for lumbering.

In 1847, Alex Pearson and Andrew Warren traveled to Jenny Bull Falls. Later that year, Andrew built a sawmill and dam at the end of Mill Street. He also constructed a boarding house for his crew and then a company store. This was the first settlement made; thus, the village of Jenny Bull Falls was born. The dam was used as a source of power for Andrew’s mill along with several others. In 1851 the first fleet of lumber left Jenny Bull Falls, floating down the Wisconsin River to Illinois. The citizens of Jenny Bull Falls soon built additional boardinghouses and businesses. 

On October 24^th, 1874, the first meeting of the county board was held and Jenny was designated as the seat of the Lincoln County Government. Daniel Scott began running daily stage between Wausau and Jenny in 1875 for the mail service.  Throughout the years, Jenny Bull Falls name was changed to Jenny Falls and then just Jenny. 

When the Railway finally came in 1880.  In honor of the railway, the name of Jenny was officially changed to Merrill, after the general manager of the railway. Sherman S Merrill. The first Courthouse was built in 1881.

In 1883, the East and West side, as well as the Sixth Ward, were connected by bridges and the population exploded.

Merrill was now incorporated as a city.  Thomas B Scott was named the first Mayor.