In 1837, President Van Buren commissioned 45 men to go to Madison to build a territory capitol. They left Milwaukee, travelling through the area we know today as: Marshall, Wisconsin. Three of the men, Andrew Bird, Zenas Bird and Aaron Petrie, noted this special location and returned to begin a new town. They labored for years, building homes and the beginnings of a warm community. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the one public building and the sawmill. The area was dubbed: Bird's Ruins.
Undaunted, more newcomers came and settled the area. In 1849, Bird's Ruins was renamed Hanchetville in recognition of Asahel Hanchett, who had enticed valuable business to the Village. Hanchett added a gristmill, relocated the sawmill, and constructed a new dam. This dam created the Mill Pond so cherished by the growing population.
Residents relied on a plank road serving the area from this village to Watertown for many years. Then, the approach of new railroad generated uproar throughout the community. Despite resistence of many locals, railroad investors moved forward, building a depot. Railroad fever induced them to rename the village, Howard City became the next label of the community. Plans stalled, growth faltered, and Asahel Hanchett sold his vast land holdings to William F. Porter and Samuel Marshall, a pair of Madison Real Estate investors. The Village was eventually called Marshall.
The Village continued to grow, the residents able to prosper. Today, Marshall offers an idyllic community setting, for those seeking to balance the conveniences of modern society with the richness of its extensive history. The Marshall Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and honoring this legacy. The Society operates a museum on Main Street, from Spring through Fall.
When you are in the area, spend some time in Marshall. Local restaurants offer a variety of menus: Mexican, Chinese and Traditional choices. Summertime brings the Fireman's Festival in June, a three day extravaganza, entertaining young and old alike.
Enjoy Marshall! Enjoy Yourself!!
Comments(0)