In June 1837, Andrew Bird, Zenas Bird and Aaron Petrie came across an area of land that they found suitable for their settlement. Unfortunately, in the fall of 1838, a devastating fire destroyed this settlement and they became known as Bird’s Ruins.

The area now known as Marshall has gone by several different names in the past 172 years. In 1849, Bird’s Ruins became known as Hanchettville. Then when the local railroad established a depot within the settlement, it was renamed, Howard City, in honor of a particularly well liked railroad promoter. The settlement finally came to be known as Marshall when it was named after Samuel Marshall in 1904. Marshall was officially incorporated as a village on January 24, 1905 and had a population of 467.

Today Marshall is still tucked away on the eastern border of Dane county. Where we have managed to remain a community that cares for its neighbors while supporting a well influenced growth pattern. This unique community is a one of a kind, with special features that make visits worth while. Home to the amusement park, Little A-Merrick-A and many well maintained public parks; we have many things for tourists and locals to enjoy. Our many lakeside parks provide adults and children with numerous summertime activities. The schools in Marshall offer a superior education and first class extracurricular activities to our youth.

See for yourself, and come visit us today!