Founder’s Square

In 1871, Louis and Frank Rivers constructed a one-and-a-half story log building at the present northeast corner of N. Chestnut Ave. and W. Depot St. This building served as a residence, hotel, tavern, and store. The brothers heard that the Wisconsin Central Railroad from Stevens Point to Lake Superior would pass through this area and they wanted to take advantage of the traffic that the railroad would generate. <br><br> On July 4, 1872, the first train reached the new community of Marshfield. Other early settlers were drawn to the community to establish businesses near the new railroad. The Wisconsin Central built their first depot near the Rivers' log building.