Henry Merrell was born in Utica, New York. Prior to arriving in Wisconsin, he worked as a clerk in his brother's mercantile store in Sackett's Harbor, New York. In 1834, Merrell came to Fort Winnebago, the newly completed Army foritfication overlooking the portage between the Fox and the Wisconsin Rivers. Merrell sold provisions to soldiers and served as a postmaster for the area until 1846. In 1838, he established his own general mercantile business. It was at this time that his newly constructed or substantially enlarged house doubled as a residence and a business. During this period, the dwelling also served as a hotel.

In 1867, Merrell moved his house from the Fort Winnebago area to its current location at 505 Cook Street. The house is an early example of the Greek Revival style. It expresses the style with its regular symmetry and the returned eaves on its gable front.

The Henry Merrell house is a private residence. Please respect the rights and privacy of the residents.