Merrimac

The village, depicted here around 1907, owes it existence to the ferry crossings established here beginning in the mid-19th century. Also a trade center for area farmers, and during WWII Badger Ordnance workers more than doubled the population of this quiet village of 300 residents.

The Merrimac Ferry in 1916. Local boatman were ferrying passengers and teams across the river in the 1850's. Owners suspended the ferry from a cable and allowed the river power to carry them across. Around 1900 the ferry was powered by a gasoline engine. In 1924, Columbia and Sauk counties purchased the route and supplied the ferry, naming it Colsac (a combination of the two names). The Merrimac Ferry is the only free ferry left in Wisconsin.